Mobissimo Blog - Restaurants

Food at 35K Feet? Airline Food and Wine Gets an Upgrade, but for a Price

blog@mobissimo.com (Mobissimo) — Fri, 02 May 2008 08:44:11 -0700

Flying first class is expensive, no doubt. I've flown Lufthansa and Thai and can attest to their special service. On a connection from Geneva to the states via Frankfurt, a Benz was waiting for me on the tarmac to take me to my LH flight back to the states in Frankfurt. Small touch, but so, as Ron Burgundy would say, 'classy.' Regardless of the service, airline food, at least to me remains horrible. It's not really cooked, it's just reheated, and those cookies you smell are just heated as well. I would rather see Inga back the in the galley making them from scratch, but whatever, I always bring my own food anyway. Food is also getting an upgrade as top flight chefs and sommeliers are making the airlines the new battle ground. More here via CNN.

(AP) -- First-class airline passengers can say goodbye to mystery meat.

Prepared airplane meals are on display at the Delta Air Lines Gate Gourmet facility in Erlanger, Kentucky.

While complimentary meals have all but disappeared for most coach flights, there's a whole new culinary landscape for first class. In the latest effort to lure customers and create buzz, airlines are serving up gourmet menus cooked up by celebrity chefs.

Travelers flying to South America or Japan on United Airlines can feast on award-winning chef Charlie Trotter's appetizer of sauteed prawns and crispy short rib wontons with organic Thai barbecue sauce and chilled sweet-and-sour cucumber relish. Going to Europe on American Airlines? Try the rosemary-scented shrimp drizzled with garlic sauce and served with lemon rice and artichokes.

Destination Guide - San Sebastian - History, Gastronomy, and Nightlife in Pearl of Spain

blog@mobissimo.com (Mobissimo) — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 08:55:22 -0700

I've been to San Sebastian probably around 10-12 times now. A usual stop for me in the summer, San Sebastian is always a welcome respite from the heat of Spain, the crowds of Italy, and the food of the UK. A convenient stop from Paris to Madrid, San Sebastian is a worthwhile stop, one visit and you'll 1) never leave 2) plan your next trip back 3) find every excuse to visit again. I'm not the only one who believes such, here's more via New York Magazine.

Unlike other beautiful, dramatic coastal regions in Spain and France, Basque country has always maintained a certain mystery. Theres the incomprehensible language, full of ps, xs and ks, of course, and the four-decade menace of the violent separatist group ETA. But against that theres a strong, sophisticated culture thats retained its own identity, even in the face of increased EU-ization. Now ETA has declared a cease-fire, Basque chefs are setting world standards for adventurous food, days are balmy but breezy, and the European hordes havent yet overtaken the beachesso its the perfect time to spend four or five days in the regions cultural epicenter, San Sebastián.

Recession Worries? Nah, Recession Can Mean More Opportunities to Get the Reservations You've Always Wanted

blog@mobissimo.com (Mobissimo) — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 02:10:36 -0700

While the current economic woes mean that spending may become less for most individuals, it may also spell chances to actually get into places normally 'closed' to mere mortals. Wanted to get into Goldbar or sample the tasting menu at Momofuku? Well, since Bear Stearns high powered/salaried individuals will probably have to be a bit more selective about blowing 2k for bottle service or the tasting menu, this may mean the demand will decrease - in short, you might have a better chance to get in to that place you've always wanted to try, but couldn't because 1) no money 2) no space available 3) no connections. Here's a little more via The New York Times.

In the wake of the implosion at Bear Stearns, some New Yorkers dare to hope that they can afford top restaurants like Fiamma and more important, that prices will fall in the overheated real estate market.

In New York City, its also seen as an opportunity.

For many of the citys middle class, especially those in the creative class, who have felt sidelined as the city seemed to become a high-priced playground for Wall Street bankers, the implosion of the brokerage house Bear Stearns raises a tantalizing possibility: participation in an economy they have been largely shut out of.

James Beard Award? Pah, Anthony Bourdain Stirs It Up with the Cloggies

blog@mobissimo.com (Mobissimo) — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 11:35:45 -0800

Culinary awards abound around the world, yet nothing quite compares to Anthony Bourdain et al's take on food awards. Instead of lavish praise - there is that too, Bourdain and crew point out the flops as well, kinda like a Razzie in a way. Read more about the nominees here via Eater.

Michael Ruhlman and Tony Bourdain have concocted The Golden Clog Awards (Ruhlman has previously announced as much on his blog), a quirky little awards event born out of "too many beers and late night yakitori," as Bourdain explained to Eater yesterday. The awards ceremony, or "awards ceremony," will take place this Friday at 2:00 PM in Miami Beach, as part of the 2008 South Beach Wine & Food Festival, which does lend a certain, frightening air of credibility to the proceedings.

NYC Pizza Anywhere in the United States - Real NYC Pizza Delivered

blog@mobissimo.com (Mobissimo) — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 07:17:08 -0800

When the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie ... New York style pizza, super thin, super simple is the favourite of many around the world. While NYC offers many things like fashion, night light, museums, fine dining, all that pales in comparison to pizza. Without a doubt, NYC pizza is a trademark of the windy city ... uh, that's Chicago dummy. Anyway, these guys will deliver a pizza anywhere in the US, here's more.

The Ultimate InFlight Sandwich - Jared Not Included

blog@mobissimo.com (Mobissimo) — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 08:42:49 -0800

Airline food is horrible. Even business and first class food is crap because it's not really made, it's just heated up, and how good can that be? I like to take nice Korean Dooboo Gighee in a claypot aboard my flights, the stench usually clears a row for me. Teehee* Anyway, here's a guide to make a sandwich and eat it - at altitude.

It's a given that most airlines don't serve meals, and airport to-go options are pathetic, so your best bet is to pack your own eats. But if you're bringing a sandwich on board (the best option because it doesn't need a container or utensils), you have to build it to last. After all, you probably won't be eating the darn thing for at least three hours.

Here, Sisha Ortuzar, executive chef of sandwich chain 'Wichcraft chain, offers tips on how to create a sandwich that'll still be appetizing once you're in the air.

The 10 Commandments of Paris Fine Dining - Do not Order Coca-Cola

blog@mobissimo.com (Mobissimo) — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 06:59:21 -0700

Fine dining in the US is more about being casual rather than an event. Americans kinda strive to make things less formal. In Paris, and well, most of the other dining cities of the world, the dining experience is exactly that, an experience and not a fuel stop. So things in Paris are always a little bit different for Americans, even though we saved them from speaking German twice, they seem to enjoy looking at us like cretins. The 10 commandments via Fodor's. Read more and try to fit in.

The rituals of dining in Paris are far less complex than, say, in Japan, but observing these few basic principles of dining will increase your chances of obtaining good service.

Malaysia - Cheap Food Lover's Paradise - Only $755 on Mobissimo

blog@mobissimo.com (Mobissimo) — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 12:55:27 -0700

I think we're moving towards destination type guides here, things that spark your interest, I mean who out there is really interested in Boeing 787 delays? So here you go, food, cheap, great destination. Malaysia, if you haven't been, well, I'm not saying you should go, but definitely worth a visit once in your life.

PENANG, Malaysia There's fresh crab, live from the tank, and bowls of miniature clams ready for frying in a spicy sauce with garlic and lime.

The air smells of roasted ducks and skewers of charcoal-grilled chicken. One stall sells herbal soup; another grills seafood on a stick.

Best Fall Dining in NYC? Try Gridskipper Maps

blog@mobissimo.com (Mobissimo) — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 08:30:12 -0700

Fine dining is always a good thing, trying to find places to do so is not so easy. Gridskipper has a pretty cool map or places to dine this fall in New York, easy to use, easy to find, here's a little more about a personal favourite from Gridskipper.

El Quinto Pino
401 W 24th StNew York, NY 10011

I've never been a Tia Pol obsessive, but the diminutive tapas joint boasts scores of rabid and ravenous fans that will no doubt flock to this -- even smaller! -- offshoot in October

The Best Food Vendor in NYC - No Sabrett's Need Apply

blog@mobissimo.com (Mobissimo) — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 08:41:13 -0700

The ubiquitous food cart is seen on every corner in NYC. You've seen them, most likely you've smelled them, the long queues of people waiting for a greasy handful of mystery meat. Or a Sabrett's. Or a Poland Spring. Anyway, some of the food is actually pretty good, not just a 'I shouldn't have eaten that' snack before lunch. Here are some of NYC's best competing for the best Vendor Award.

You don't need reservations or deep pockets to chow down on some of the best food in New York City.

Any number of culinary wonders can be found from street-corner vendors, who serve up unexpected ethnic meals from tiny metal trailers on the cheap.

Foodie Destination of the World - Italy and Its Regions

blog@mobissimo.com (Mobissimo) — Wed, 25 Oct 2006 15:22:19 -0700

I was in Italy earlier this summer and sampled the fine cuisine that such culinary luminaries like Firenze, Lucca, Modena offered. It was a gastronomic love sonnet in my gullet, one that I will not forget, nor will the writer at the NYTimes.

MY kind of pig heaven looks a lot like Bolognas fatty heart. In northern Italy, the culinary pleasures of the Piedmont region compete with those of nearby Emilia-Romagna. Above, the Tamburini shop in Bologna. In the shops along and around Via Drapperie, haunches of cured ham dangle far into the distance. Coils of pork sausage spiral high into the sky. Bologna is the capital of Emilia-Romagna, and the region of Emilia-Romagna sees the beauty in swine, as the affiliation of one of its cities with a world-renowned delicacy makes clear. Here lies the plump mother lode of prosciutto di Parma.

Many a stomach has been satisfied in northern Italy, why not yours? Flights to Milan are only $450 from NYC, that's ridiculous, with all the money you're saving, you could pack your bag full of non-gel or liquid food items.

Destination Maine - In Search for the Perfect Lobster Roll

blog@mobissimo.com (Mobissimo) — Fri, 25 Aug 2006 10:54:59 -0700

Maine. Hard to get to but worth the effort. Check out this article in the NY Times about the author's quest for the perfect lobster roll.

I only come here for lobster rolls, said Stacy Marotta as she finished lunch 75 miles to the northeast at Reds Eats in Wiscasset. She and her husband and sons drive 12 hours every summer from their home in Cleveland to this part of Maine, she said, and Reds is our first stop when we get into town and our last stop as we head out.

The lobster roll the lazy mans lobster, Mrs. Marotta said traditionally consists of a toasted hot dog bun topped by pieces of fresh lobster meat and a little bit of something else. The something else is a subject of disagreement.

It's lobster, you can't go wrong any way it's prepared. You can fly to Portland, Maine from the west coast for around $350 and stay in Kennebunkport for less than $100 on Mobissimo.

Quail In Ho Chi Minh City - Best Meal Under a Dollar

blog@mobissimo.com (WorldTraveler) — Thu, 22 Jun 2006 15:18:28 -0700

Forget KFC in Vietnam, it's all about the KFQuail in Ho Chi Minh City. For under a buck you can eat like a king. From Time Asia:

The birds are served with a warm Vietnamese baguette, slices of cucumber, fresh rau ram (a herb that tastes like a cross between coriander and hot mint), a salt, pepper and lemon dip, and a side of fiery chili sauce. The combination of flavors and textures is exquisite.

Some of the best purveyors can be found on To Hien Thanh Street and Cach Mang Thang Tam Street in District 3. Eaten curbside or taken back to your hotel, your purchase will cost the princely sum of 9,000 dong, or about 55 cents. For a complete meal, add a steamed corncob from one of the many vendors nearby for around 12 cents, before concluding with che dau van, a sweetened-coconut and green-bean confection, for 6 cents

Culinary Gift From The Gods: Mission Burritos at Taqueria Cancun & La Taqueria

blog@mobissimo.com (WorldTraveler) — Fri, 16 Jun 2006 12:52:06 -0700

If you're not familiar with the Mission style burrito, let me give you the run down. Start with a tortilla the size of a small dog, grill or steam it, fill it with meat (pork, beef, tongue, chicken, animal part of your choice, etc. ), rice, beans, salsa, guacamole, sour cream, etc. then get two strong burley men to help you lift and eat it, because these things are huge. Gigantic. Bigger than Dolly' Parton's hair on a Friday at the Honkey Tonk (where do I get this stuff?). They've been known to roll down hills and take out entire city blocks when left unattended. In my opinion, there is no better weight to price to taste ratio in the world when it comes to the Mission burrito. I'm willing to bet on that. Now, I'm not sure if they were actually invented in the Mission, the oh-so-trendy used-to-be-hispanic -now-gentrifying-with-culture-stomping-yuppies San Francisco neighborhood., But if they weren't, they should have been. I my not have eaten at as many Taquerias as the Burritoeater, but I've had my fair share. Enough to form opinions on the best places to eat these gastronomic mammoths. Keep in mind, there is no one "best" burrito place in The City. It depends on your price point and individual burrito preferences. For example, if you're vegetarian and like your tortilla heated on the grill rather than steamed, then Taqueria Cancun is the place you want. Excellent guacamole, fresh ingredients, and at $3.25 a pop last time I checked, the best taste/value anywhere. Read the reviews on Tribe.net. If you don't mind paying a little more and like mouth watering pieces of steak or chicken, fresh avocado, and salsa from God, La Taqueria (read reviews on Yelp.com) is your place. The burritos are tops, but they also serve one of the most amazing chicken quesadillas you'll have in your life. Ask for avocado and believe me, your life will be complete. So there you have it. Yet another front-line review, from the world's favorite's food reviewer. Well, maybe not the world's, but my mom says I'm the best writer she's ever read. Thanks mom.

Taqueria Cancun
2288 Mission St
San Francisco, CA 94110-1812
(415) 252-9560
Cross Street: 19th Street

La Taqueria
2889 Mission St
San Francisco, CA 94110-3907
(415) 285-7117
Cross Street: 25th Street

Hot Restaurants San Francisco: Dosa South Indian Cuisine

blog@mobissimo.com (WorldTraveler) — Fri, 09 Jun 2006 11:54:44 -0700

Holy jumping curries folks. I've been hankering for South Indian since I came back from India and unfortunately San Francisco despite all its fine cuisine has always been light on south Indian. That is until Dosa powered on to the scene in January. Occupying a location on Valencia street that has seen more faces than Paris Hilton's bed, Dosa landed with a bang in January and hasn't looked back since. The place is full every night of the week and is as busy as a Bombay samosa stand.

We had the Tamil lamb curry and a Masala Dosa, take out, so I can't comment on the service, but the people who helped us were amazingly friendly, so we expect service will be top notch. The curry was piquant without burning the roof of your mouth off, with just the right amount of spices. I tasted a bit of almond that reminded me of the Punjabi dish I wrote about last week. But what do I know? The dish is described as having "Niman Ranch Lamb steeped in a sauce of fennel, tomatoes, poppy seeds, caramelized onions and a blend of other spices." It was delicious, take my word for it. Because, as my faithful readers know, my word is GOLD.

Now the Dosa. That reminded me of breakfast in Bombay. But it was dinner and I was sitting home with my boy running circles around the table, yelling something about airplanes and coconuts. If you're never had a Dosa, think of it as the Indian version of a pancake or crepe. Or think of the crepe and pancake as American and French versions of the Dosa. Either way, it's a crispy thin flour (I think) "crepe" fried with a filling like potato, vegetable, mineral. Most anything I guess, as long as it's Indian. It comes with coconut and tomato chutney which you layer on top like edible massage oil on ... Wait, right this is a food review, sorry. The chutneys had just the right amount of spice to give the Dosa a nice kick. If you want to get authentic, dip the Dosa in your Sambor, the spicy soup that comes with the chutneys. The Sambor could have used a bit more umpfh, but it did the job fine.

So there you have it, another culinary review masterpiece by Mobissimo's resident food critic. Another reason to go is you'll find yourself in one of the hottest neighborhoods in the country, as voted by a publication that will remain nameless so as to not promote this fact too much. You can hit Amnesia or MakeOutRoom, or Lone Palm or Elbo Room or any of the dozen or so more bars that are scattered within a short walking distance. But, shh, don't tell anyone. It's our little secret.

Address:
995 Valencia (@ 21st Street)
San Francisco, CA 94110
Website

Hours of Operation Starting June 6, 2006
Tuesday to Thursday & Sunday 5:30 pm to 10:00 pm
Friday & Saturday 5:30 pm to 11:00 pm