Relaxing Times with Suntorytime

[San Francisco] Bernie's Coffee

Fri, 08 Mar 2013 18:20:00 -0800

Ever hear of Crocker Galleria in downtown San Francisco? probably not! hell, I’ve been living in San Francisco for 20 years and even I’ve only passed through once. But, let’s assume that just maybe you randomly found yourself here and you’re looking for some better-than-Starbucks coffee. The newly opened Bernie’s Coffee is going to fit the bill just fine. The place is nicely decorated for a stop-and-go cafe, which is actually a shame for that fact. This could be a cool place to hang out if only there were some more chairs and some actual tables!

Rating: “Fairly baller”

[San Francisco] Market & Rye

Sat, 02 Mar 2013 11:50:00 -0800

Whenever a new restaurant arrives in the small West Portal district, people take notice. Market & Rye is a fairly new addition to the area serving up primarily sandwiches and salads. You might be thinking: “Does West Portal really need another sandwich joint?” Probably not, but at least it carves out this gourmet, hipster niche (e.g. glass jars for fruit-infused water) for the area, which strikes me as somewhat noteworthy in a sea of businesses that cater to either retired neighborhood folk or to their adolescent grandchildren. To that end Market & Rye is a welcome sight—despite the notion of more sandwiches.

Check out their menu here. The following are my recommendations:

Reuben Chicken Meatball $9.5: 1000 Island, Sauerkraut, Red CabbageCaraway Slaw, Swiss
The Girlfriend $9.5: Mortadella, Salami,Thick Mozzarella, Provolone, Pepperoncini, Arugula, Basil Pesto

And for Brunch…

Portola Combo $9: bacon, potatoes, sausage, scrambled eggs, English muffin (note: the muffin is perfectly buttered!)
Not Your Kid’s Grilled Cheese $9: Brie, Bosc Pear, Arugula-Pistachio Pesto on Focaccia

Rating: “Fairly baller”

[San Francisco] Okazu-Ya

Sat, 26 Jan 2013 17:29:00 -0800

It was after a quick hike up at Land’s End near Sea Cliff, and I was wandering the outskirts of Taraval finding some place to hang out. At this weird hour of 3pm, I was in my aimless venture that I found Okazu-Ya across the street from Rolling Pin (which by the way has amazing sweet buns). I’d like to express right off the bat here how nice and welcoming the staff are. Particularly awesome is how sociable Michael, the sushi chef, is. Don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation with this guy if he doesn’t engage you first!

Oh right, the food? I ordered several sushi dishes: toro, sake, ikura and I have the say the sushi is pretty fresh and absolutely hits the spot. Toro is fatty, ikura has that fun burst of flavor I’ve come to love, and the sake could have been a tad thicker. I don’t know if this is a common thing but, interestingly, there were thin slices of lemon on the salmon. Michael was quick to point out the salmon tastes better with the lemon to soften out the flavor a bit. Indeed, the lemon mixed very well.

Michael is such an amiable guy, as are the waiters, that I would recommend to sit at the sushi table. I got a good conversation and rapport, and the sushi is spectacular.

Okazu-Ya is open late until 10pm, though I’d be inclined to come here on off-peak hours just to have a more casual dining session at the sushi bar.

1735 TARAVAL ST

[San Mateo] Kaffeehaus

Sun, 06 Jan 2013 22:54:00 -0800

Kaffeehaus, San Mateo, Winter 2013

I’ve recently changed schedules at work wherein I’m hitting the 101 much sooner in the evening. What this means is, clearly, more time cafe-hunting in cities along the peninsula.

El primero stop is Kaffeehaus in downtown San Mateo.

Kaffeehaus, a cafe and bar, is something of a jewel in San Mateo right off the bat. The place has got a casual yet classy vibe to it. This is definitely attributed to the baller host who wears a white button-down shirt, black slacks and a black apron (imagine euro-style); there’s also the matter of the collection of wines and beers adding to the atmosphere. The main room has dimmed, romantic lighting, though it’s plenty bright enough to read a book with.

Kaffeehaus has a number of different drip coffees to choose from. On my first visit, I saw one coffee option called “Private Reserve.” Let’s stop here for a moment. “Private Reserve?” Uh, hell yeah I’m going to order that! (this came in a tall glass coffee mug, by the way). I paired the coffee with a nice blueberry crumbcake since I have this horrible/amazing tendency to get dessert cravings. I didn’t care that some catering company might have baked their desserts. After all there’s few things better than a tall mug of coffee and some dessert after work, right? In any case, despite the awesome name, the coffee didn’t blow me away, but it’s definitely better than Starbucks’ over-roasted Pike’s Place blend.

There are some other reasons to hang out here. For one, there’s free WIFI; there’s also ample seating, including some dining style tables for larger groups—you know, to plan future San Mateo ramen runs with.

If you’re in the San Mateo area and you’re looking for a good cafe to study or hang out at, Kaffeehaus is a no brainer. It doesn’t seem like that this place gets too crowded at any time of day thankfully. And if coffee’s not your thing—hey—go for a glass of Pinot with a good book. Hmm… Pinot…

[Update 2/19/13]

The light roast coffee pairs really well with their tiramisu, which has a slightly crunchy texture from the chill.

I got a fair amount of flak for forgetting to apply my rating system to the reviews on the site. I...

Mon, 10 Sep 2012 12:46:00 -0700

I got a fair amount of flak for forgetting to apply my rating system to the reviews on the site. I went back and added the ratings to the posts. The system itself has also been revamped to be more concise. Take a look at the update here:

http://suntorytime.tumblr.com/about

[San Francisco] Samovar Tea Lounge (Metreon)

Mon, 10 Sep 2012 12:34:00 -0700

Whenever I think of downtown hangouts, I don’t usually think of the word ‘relaxing’ but Samovar is one of those few exceptions. Samovar by the Metreon fits ‘relaxing’ for those times when you just need to get away from what it is termed life-crap.

Situated by the Metreon park overlooking the SF MOMA and St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Samovar is like an oasis in the center of downtown as you see towering skyscrapers above. I’ve come here more than a couple times to unwind; and each time, I’ve been impressed with the service and tea. The waiters and waitresses take care of you and are quick to replace your hot water. Samovar also has a legitimately beautiful design: on a sunny day, its patio with the multitudes of couches are absolutely conducive for good conversation; the inside is decorated using Southeast Asian stone and woodwork, with brilliantly eclectic music from ‘20s French bebop to Mongolian throat singing.

Samovar’s not a place to get full. It’s more a place to enjoy its atmosphere especially if you want to stick to downtown.

Here’s my recipe for a brilliant evening for two as the sun is setting: get the Maiden’s Ecstasy pu-erh pot of tea and an order of the slightly sweet rice pudding. Fifteen minutes after receiving the orders, the sidewalk lamps flicker on outside and the lights fade in on the sides of the San Franciscan high-rises. Almost as if on cue, the restrained but amusing sounds of Bill Evans’ Waltz for Debby comes on. Twilight overtakes the sky.

[Redwood City] Yokohama

Tue, 29 May 2012 22:42:00 -0700

I have never been so angry, so disgusted with a restaurant in all my 23 years. Now, to be clear, I don’t normally review restaurants in the Bay Area peninsula, but this gross disappointment needs to be put out there on the internet for posterior sake.

I walk into Yokohama, thinking my senses have drawn me here for some unconsciously good reason. I order a specialty roll to go, which looks decent enough on the menu: crunchy shrimp, avocado, imitation crab, etc, etc, blah, blah. Fine-I order and it takes a grand 30 minutes for the food to come out while I’m waiting by the doorway. When I finally do receive the food, I’m so famished I rush back to my car and try at least one bite only to see a measly 6 pieces of the roll. Worse yet, the roll cost me ~$12.

I’m so angry, and so disappointed in this place called Yokohama that I see no reason to ever visit this restaurant again. Just so we’re clear, I’m talking about this Yokohama: http://www.yelp.com/biz/yokohama-redwood-city.

[San Francisco] Manor Coffee Shop

Wed, 09 May 2012 14:07:00 -0700

A no-frills restaurant for when you want that American-diner experience in the West Portal area. Manor’s not the place you would go to if you’re looking to impress out-of-towners, nor is it a place that you’d drive across the city for. This is simply a diner that serves a good, casual breakfast, lunch and dinner. Though I haven’t tried it quite yet, word on the street is that Manor carries some pretty good pies too!

[San Francisco] YakiniQ

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 12:13:00 -0700

Modern and characteristic atmosphere, canvas wall paintings, mostly good and unique drinks, friendly staff and conveniently placed in Japantown. Seems like a good place to hang out? Sounds like it.

YakiniQ is one of the newer additions to Japantown in the district’s attempt to re-invent itself to be more appealing with younger age groups. What you’ll find at YakiniQ, as well, is lots of seating, cool jazzy and urban-y music and, best yet, unlimited wi-fi for those long hour study hours.

In terms of drinks, go for a yuzu honey tea or their sweet potato latte for a tad more unique a stay. The place also has a bunch of pastry choices e.g. macarons and cakes (I’m doubtful the pastries are made in-house, of course). Feel free to go for a shave ice too.

YakiniQ has quite a bit going for it compared to many other San Franciscan cafes. Be sure to check it out, especially when you need a hospitable place for a long stretch of time.

[San Francisco] Ambrosia Bakery

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 12:46:00 -0700

Ambrosia is that friendly neighborhood bakery—good enough for a visit if you live close by, but not worth the journey if you’re from across town.

You’re going to find the typical assortment of pastries. The pain-au-chocolat, for example, has chocolate chunks inside and is not the fluffy chocolate spread you might expect. That’s not to say it’s no good—actually I prefer the chocolate chunk texture over fluffy chocolate with Ambrosia’s golden, flaky and decently good croissant envelope.

The coffee’s probably from a big pot of Foldgers but who cares.

The cakes are of similar quality to a place like Cocola, which is to say pretty good. I haven’t tried all of them (nor do I plan to…). Let’s just say though if I had to buy a cake for a special occasion, Ambrosia would be a great candidate for it.

I would come back to Ambrosia, no doubt about it, if I wanted a relaxing bakery/cafe atmosphere on a weekend day.

[San Francisco] Hog Island Oyster Co

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 22:04:00 -0700

Call me cynical when it comes to good food around touristy areas, but I didn’t expect much out of Hog Island Oyster Co. I’m fairly convinced now that the Ferry Building in the Embaracadero will satisfy you budding foodies out there, partly thanks to Hog.

If you’re on the fence in regards to trying out raw oysters, you won’t have to look farther than this place. Here’s your recipe for an amazing lunch:

“Oyster Bar Mix” ($30), a mix of 12 oysters that honestly taste virtually the same but-hey-maybe you can find the subtle difference! share this one between two people
“Clam Chowder” ($14), much more meaty and delectable than your average New England clam chowder
some arbitrary glass of white wine (>$8)

Expensive much? Well, yeah, you’re getting oysters. And if you can score a table outside on a nice sunny day at the bar’s patio, all the better; I guarantee a good time. This is all provided that you enjoy seafood, of course!

1 Ferry Bldg
Shop 11
San Francisco, CA 94111
Neighborhood: Embarcadero

[San Francisco] Fujiyama-ya

Sun, 12 Feb 2012 19:39:00 -0800

Tucked away near the near the corner of 19th avenue and Noriega, Fujiyama-ya certainly doesn’t garner much attention besides its hand-drawn wallpaper, which verges on a childish take on traditional Japanese motifs.

It’s a shame that Fujiyama-ya fails in delivering decent sushi. After all, the restaurant carries an earnest take on a more traditional setting and deserves applause. For one, the overall presentation of the sushi was bad. Maki-sushi looked hastily rolled, and the nigiri fish slices looked “choppy.” Furthermore, the sushi rice was hardly sticky/sweet enough. The chiraishi was essentially all the above elements in a bowl.

It’s hard to recommend Fujiyama-ya for its sushi.

A Surprising Cup of Coffee!

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 19:46:45 -0800

Starbucks typically isn’t the joint for a good cup of dark roast coffee. At best, the standard Pike’s Place roast tastes overly cooked and leaves a burned albeit strong impression.

The “Casi Cielo” roast however is surprisingly enjoyable to drink though is every bit a dark roast with that signature robust flavor. In fact, the coffee is more than decent—it’s actually good! Frankly I’m not sure if the better flavor is derived from the pour-over method used (the Starbucks I’m at ran out of a full pot, so advised me to try the pour-over), or from the better coffee beans used. Regardless, I find myself surprisingly impressed with an opinion of the Seattle-based company ameliorated somewhat. Kudos, Starbucks!

[San Francisco] Cafe Claude

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 19:56:00 -0800

While not really a cafe in the traditional sense, Cafe Claude is a French restaurant in the heart of downtown San Francisco that pulls through with consistent quality and service. You won’t find anything out of the ordinary here—for lunch, the menu features well-executed sandwiches (e.g. croque monsieur) for a fair $11-14. Likewise for lunch and dinner, the ‘coq au vin’ ($21) or the ‘saumon’ ($19) are more than decent despite their ordinariness. Try the ‘escargots’ here if that’s on your bucket to-do list! The only thing I can fault about Claude is that it jacks up the prices of its ‘plats’ or entrees between lunch and dinner. But, it makes up for that lost ground with a brilliantly casual-classy atmosphere and hospitable service.

Cafe Claude is one of those places you want to take somebody to if you’re looking to impress (especially when there’s live music). Keep in mind, Claude Lane is fairly hard to find so be sure to check a map before you head out with a small group of friends.

http://www.cafeclaude.com/index.html

[San Francisco] Oyaji

Sun, 22 Jan 2012 11:31:00 -0800

You won’t find the typical ‘terriyaki chicken’ bento here—Oyaji is a step above most “ordinary” Japanese restaurants in that respect. It serves all kinds of tapas-type food like Izakaya Sozai (on Irving) except it has the benefit of more space, more appreciative service and a complete sushi bar.

I recommend Oyaji’s “combination” assortment of kushiyaki to get a good sense of the restaurant’s tasty house sauce. One of my favorite dishes, butakakuni (braised pork), is very tender with a texture that is enjoyable to simply chew. I just wish the sauce on the butakakuni had stronger flavor despite its appearances. According to friends, the tonkotsu ramen is in every way (i.e. broth, noodle quality) inferior to ones you could order from e.g. Izakaya Sozai, Orenchi Ramen (in Santa Clara). I haven’t had the sushi yet, so impressions on that will be input in the future.

It stumbles in some areas of its servings, sure. Oyaji, though, is an overall good Japanese restaurant that’s certainly a step above many of its competition. I’d suggest this place for small groups of friends. Between Izakaya Sozai and Oyaji, Izakaya wins out however.

http://www.oyajirestaurant.com/menu.php?page=main

[San Francisco] Beachside Coffee Bar and Kitchen

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 01:07:00 -0800

While not exactly at the side per se of the dismally and perpetually chilly endroit we call San Francisco’s Ocean Beach, Beachside Coffee Bar and Kitchen offers a relaxing and cordial atmosphere if you’re looking for a slightly more unique cafe versus Starbucks. The place is small and the decor is sparse, but it’s certainly large enough for a small group of friends to gather at. Parking in the nearby residential area is fairly easy, too.

The cafe offers its own brand of coffee with choices from various parts of the world. Beachside’s coffee is okay-to-good, but definitely over Starbucks’s selection. Surprisingly, bottomless mimosas and wine are available if you’re feeling a little more adventurous with your friends. Comfort food is also offered with some unusual additions like “chicken and waffles.”

Beachside Coffee Bar and Kitchen is a good cafe at a convenient location right off the Great Highway. On a clear and mild day, this could be a nice option if you’re willing to make the drive.

http://www.javabeachsf.com/

4300 Judah St

[San Francisco] Izakaya Sozai

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 07:07:00 -0800

For relaxing times, come to Izakaya Sozai. I mean it too (and not just as a sly reference to Lost in Translation)! The experience of coming to Sozai after a hard day’s work is most tantalizing respite I’ve had in recent memory. Because it is an izakaya, the main attractions are beer, sake and Japanese tapas. I am surprised though to find that Sozai serves a great tonkotsu ramen for the standards of San Francisco. Prices for food are reasonable for this type of restaurant; save for alcoholic beverages, which ramp up the bill.

The decor is more “Japanese-y” and the atmosphere is bustling.

I recommend the “bacon-wrap mochi” ($5) and “Ritsu Tonkotsu Ramen” WITH pork belly ($11).

Izakaya Sozai
1500 Irving

[Davis] La Crepe

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 15:43:00 -0800

Owned and primarily run by a tall, amiable French guy and the uncle-ish Asian lackey, La Crepe sells both savory and sweet crepes, waffles and copious amounts of Orangina. I’d recommend the ‘daily special’ crepe, which is a random savory one priced at $6.79 + tax. I find the special to be the most bang for the buck relative to taste. Waffles and sweet crepes are great if you have a sweet tooth going.

However, I don’t suggest the “omelette crepes,” as I found myself getting sick of the tiresome cheesy texture relative to other ingredients e.g. spinach or mushrooms.

All in all, La Crepe is an interesting choice at the Silo area on campus. Crepes start off cheap but quickly rise in price depending on the ingredients you add on.

Daviswiki

[Davis] Star Ginger Food Truck

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 11:19:34 -0700

First it was Shah’s, and now it’s Star Ginger joining the food truck bandwagon! Situated next to the Silo, Star serves a limited menu of Vietnamese sandwiches and styrofoam-boxed rice plates. You’re not going to go wrong with any of your choices here nor are you going to be wowed by any means. Star Ginger is, simply said, decent enough food at the $6-7 price range (including drink) in a convenient location.

Star Ginger is an interesting albeit pricey addition to the burgeoning food truck culture on campus. Though if you have a bike and/or the time to go downtown to pick up a cheaper and equivalent Vietnamese sandwich from Sunrise, I’d go there instead.

Cilantro-haters beware of this place.

In response to the alleged politics surrounding the USDA...

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 20:36:24 -0700

In response to the alleged politics surrounding the USDA version, Harvard Medical School has released its own take on the venerable food chart. It’s pretty easy to understand and will probably appeal to those who are conscious about food choices.