Comstock Saloon: Meh

Pigs in Biscuits with Sauerkraut

So, I've been waiting to go to Comstock for the longest time. So much so that K.yo finally gave in and went with me before we saw YACHT at Bimbo's. The interior is really cute. I love the 20's/30's Prohibition feel, but Bourbon and Branch probably hits it better. Cocktails and food-wise, Comstock was a disappointment. The drinks weren't bad, but I've definitely had better at Thermidor, Bourbon, and Gather (all three offer similar prices if not cheaper actually). My other small complaint is that they were charging $10 for a shot of Johnnie Walker Black Label. You can buy an entire bottle for $30! SIGH.

I ordered the "Pig in a Biscuit," since I figured I wouldn't go back very often and might as well try some food. The description of this dish on the menu is completely off. Firstly, it isn't just one pig. It's 3 and even 4 if you "want to share" as the waiter said. Secondly, the pork is not crispy and is merely a sausage patty. Thirdly, it's freakishly oily and not even tasty for being so fatty. Oh, this dish also comes with sauerkraut, which may actually be tastier than the pigs.

If given the choice, I probably wouldn't go back unless I'm somehow stuck in North Beach.

Comstock Saloon
155 Columbus Avenue, San Francisco

When You Are Feeling Blue, Go to Ippuku

...as Tob-asco and I did...

Dungeness Crab Croquettes

Quail Eggs

Bacon Wrapped Mochi (and a Glass of Awamori)

Birthday = Foodday

One really must treat oneself on a birthday. I think that's a rule or maybe not. Nonetheless, I started out my own with some delicious Japanese food from Kirala 2. I also discovered that if you purchase more than $10 worth of food, you get a day-old item for free! Beef Donburi, California Rolls, and Kara-age made an amazing lunch that day...and leftovers for the next. For the evening, I arranged an outing with the gang to Show Dogs and Thermidor.

First up, Show Dogs:
Part of me really wishes this were in a better location. It's kind of in a random spot on Market, nestled near the Warfield, and smack in between Powell and Civic Center Bart Stations. However, Show Dogs met my expectations. A lot more casual than Foreign Cinema, Gayle Pirie and John Clark's second venture lives up to its name or breeding so to say. The food was fresh and the beer selection was impressive. The only complaint would be that various items were sold out, but this may be due to it being close to the end of the night. For some reason I had my heart set on fried chicken that day, so I didn't actually order what the place is supposed to be known for: sausages. That being said the chicken was good and the mashed potatoes were creamy and flavourful. Everyone else, however, gave the dogs a try. Dogs digested: the House Maple Bacon Pork, the House Chicken Curry, and Field Roast Vegetarian Sausage. And since we were feeling extra awesome, we ordered BBQ Fries AND Onion Rings. All good with no complaints. GET THE BBQ FRIES.

Next up, Thermidor:
After we were filled, we ventured to Thermidor in Mint Plaza for drinks. Yes, be ready for bourge. However, the cocktails were quite amazing (although I've decided that I'll never get an actual English Pimm's in America). The bartender was extremely nice and not only gave me a free shot of Laphroaig, but also kept refilling Special K's glass with wine after we figured out that the price was not the one listed. And as a snack, we ordered chips with caviar. Delicously bourge. I would suggest going here for drinks (especially at happy hour) and maybe getting a small snack.

Kirala 2
1511 Shattuck Ave. (b/w Cedar St & Vine St. It's in Epicurious Garden.)
Berkeley

Show Dogs
1020 Market Street (on the corner near the Warfield)
San Francisco

Thermidor
8 Mint Plaza (From Market walk down Fifth St. The plaza is across from the mall.)
San Francisco

Bourgey Burgers: Part 2

You know a burger is bourgey when it comes with 4 sauces, you don't know what to dip in what, and the place is half swanky lounge. Don't get me wrong, Orson is a nice joint, but dare I say maybe bordering on too bourge for K.yo and I? Actually the atmosphere is quite romantic (if you're looking to impress someone), but the bar is also casual enough for a drink after work. Also happy hour is from 5-7pm and the drinks are quite spectacular. This time the burgers consumed came with duck fat fries, truffle mayonnaise, cobb relish, and house-made steak sauce. (I admittedly had to look that up just now because we totally forgot what the sauces were.) Duck fat fries sound like a heart attack waiting to happen, but it's a good heart attack and not as scary as it sounds. These actually reminded me of the fries at Grub: thin and crisp like good ole McDo. The burger was alright, but honestly a bit awkward to eat given the setting and the size of the thing. I fork-and-knived it but felt a bit silly while doing so. It is also a bit pricey; actually probably the priciest burger that I've had. Not sure if I would call it the best either, but the sauces were quite phenomenal (especially the cobb relish). If anything, drop by for drinks if you are near by.

And for dessert, we dropped by Ippuku for a Matcha Green Tea Sundae. Soooo goood. It's basically a spin on the affogato except with matcha green tea and vanilla soft serve. Yes the bourge did continue...

Orson
508 4th Street (Near the freeway)
San Francisco

Ippuku
2130 Center Street (b/w Shattuck and Oxford)
Berkeley

Mission: NYE

So of course, Uptown publishes an article on Grub right as I'm about too. Just my luck. :P So for NYE and Special K's Birthday, we decided to grab some Grub and go bar hopping. Mostly because we didn't want to pay cover fees for clubs and also cuz we're hip like that. First of all, I'm just going to throw out there that yes, Grub is a tiny bit expensive. A lot of people don't want to pay $9+ for Mac, but if you are willing, then you should consider it. Basic Mac starts at $9 and each additional item is $1. The items range from rock lobster to broccoli, so it's great for vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. I chose rock lobster and truffle oil, while Special K. got broccoli, and I'm not quite sure what our friend AR got. But what I do remember is how sensational it was. People have been complaining that the cheese sauce is too saucy and not cheesy enough. I beg to differ. The sauce had a nice creamy consistency that went well with the toppings. I also highly recommend the fries or as many restaurants are calling it nowadays "pomme frittes" (to be hella french...gawd). I've been telling everyone that they're like McDonald's fries, but BETTER: thin cut and hella crisp. We also ordered asparagus for good measure. And I give Grub extra props for offering complimentary champagne and birthday brulee!

We headed to Bar Laszlo and Shotwell's afterwards. Both very cool, but also very different. Laszlo was a bit too loud (not to sound like an old man), but it might have just been a NYE thing. Love the projected films and decks on the wall. Shotwell's was less bourgey and definitely more local pub-on-the-corner-of-your-street. My night would have ended better if a drunk dude hadn't spilled his beer on me. But it's okay, I got a bacon covered hot dog at a vendor as a gift to myself.

Grub
758 Valencia Street (b/w 18th and 19th)

Bar Laszlo (It's Foreign Cinema's bar)
2534 Mission St. (b/w 21st and 22nd)

Shotwell's Bar
3349 20th Street (@ Shotwell)

Bacon-covered Hotdogs
Just look for vendors along Mission hella late at night.