Monday, May 16, 2011

So(uthie) Co(mfort)

Truffled Bacon and Poached Egg Salad

Nana Carmella

The Slab

Bacon-Green Lentil Soup
(? I'm not sure because my friend ordered it)

Carnitas Tacos
(It even came with complimentary White Wine Sangria.)

For some reason, I've been holding off on a review of Southie. I feel as if I have mixed feelings about it, but not enough to stop going. And, I keep telling people that it's one of the places that I like going to on College, which is true. I have enjoyed everything that I've tried there. The only complaints I have are that the Nana Carmella can be a bit salty and some of the food greasy. Otherwise, it's a nice joint. Here is a recap of some of the stuff I've consumed:
  • Truffled Bacon and Poached Egg Salad: My favorite dish at Southie thus far. There's, just enough bacon, so it doesn't feel like grease overload. And, I freaking love poached eggs. The dressing is fairly light and tasty.
  • Nana Carmella: A bit salty...something about the combination of sauce and cheese is off just a little. Otherwise, it's delicious. I might need to try it again because it could have been an off day.
  • Carnitas Tacos: This was a Cinco de Mayo Special, so I'm not sure if it ever appears on their regular menu. The pork was extremely flavourful, but the tacos were quite greasy. There was a grease puddle under each taco, and whenever I picked one up, it would just drip all over my hand. I noticed the same thing happened when my friend ordered "The Slab." One of the things that they forget to mention on the menu is that the "thick slab bacon" is deep fried. Yes, I know it's bacon and is by default fatty. BUT this really took it to a new level of "What am I eating?!" Though quite tasty, its kind of an oil explosion.
I'm also a bit curious about their slogan "East Cost Mentality. West Coast Sensibility." Does anyone know the specifics of what they're referring to? Anyways, go, eat, and tell me what you think.

6311 College Ave (at 63rd St)
Oakland

The Most Amazing Cobb Salad Ever


I have been raving about the Cobb Salad at Free Speech Movement Cafe (on Cal's campus), for the last year. So much in fact, I am pretty sure my friends think I am insane. But believe me, it really is that good. Somehow FSM finds the right balance of bacon, egg, and chicken. Ok yes, it sounds like a meat lover's deal. But each meat is given in moderation unlike some places I know that top the salad with an entire chicken breast. Anyways, this salad also comes with surprisingly fresh avocado and cherry tomatoes. No seriously, their ingredients are incredibly fresh and quite the opposite of the salads anywhere else on campus. Then again, you are paying cold hard cash. A delicious slice of foccacia is included, and don't worry about heavy dressing because this one is light and tangy! If you are incredibly hungry, you might be able to finish it, but I usually like sharing it with a friend. :)

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Burger Week Comes to an End

BURGER ON A STICK!

Just in case you didn't know, last week was "Burger Week" in SF. Eater had a bracket for said event, and voters determined 4505 Meats as the winner. It was a bit of a surprise to me, not only because I tried the burger for the first time only a week prior, but also it wasn't the most amazing one I've ever had. Then again, I can't really place the best burger I've ever had. It definitely does what a burger is supposed to (be delicious), but it's a bit on the greasy side. I keep telling people that it's like a McDonald's burger that has been made with fresh ingredients. That's supposed to be compliment by the way. I'm pretty sure the bun is toasted with butter. Nonetheless, yes, it is good and greasy and really simple. Think Ron Swanson's burger from Parks and Rec, "It's a hamburger made out of meat on a bun with nothing. Add ketchup if you want I couldn't care less." To my knowledge, you can only get these at the Ferry Building Farmer's Market on Thursdays and Saturdays.

4505 Meats
Ferry Building Marketplace
One Ferry Building