Manresa Los Gatos

Sam was hooked on dining at Manresa from her very first visit.
So when I visited her last year, dining at this prestigious restaurant was high on the agenda and I was eagerly awaiting the experience....
The entrance to the restaurant is unassuming but I rather like the sign! Although we didn't really see it in the dark I believe they have a herb garden behind the restaurant.
I borrowed the photo below from the restaurant web site, as it happened to show the table where we were seated (I didn't take any photos inside).

Sam knows David Kinch, the chef, and we were very well looked after, by that I mean we were greeted with champagne and it kept flowing~ so how could I not be happy as this is my favourite tipple!

We had booked the tasting menu which is 18 courses.......I'm showing you the menu above (written over by Sam to indicate variations) but again no food photos so it will be difficult for you to get a mental picture of the dishes and I'm useless at describing food, unlike my dear daughter who does it so eloquently (maybe I should have asked Sam to guest blog!). What can I say~ it was wonderful, I was given a taste of so many superb foods, cooked and presented so beautifully.
All the organic vegetables come from 'Love Apple Farm' and are grown specifically for Manresa. 'Into the vegetable garden', one of the courses, was a delicious combination of seasonal vegetables (potato, cauliflower, sliced beet, carrot, radish). Now have you ever tried Abalone I must confess I was a little apprehensive but I really enjoyed it. We had lots of fish (in my comments on yesterday's Fun Monday posts I said several times that I didn't like sashimi but I did enjoy it on this occasion). I now like fois gras (I only, recently, got introduced to this controversial food so I was pleased to try it again). I really liked the Arpege farm egg (soft boiled with sherry, cream and maple syrup~ may sound an unlikely combination but take my word~ it was delicious). Another hit was the beef roasted, black trumpets, and chestnut with horseradish (looked like teeny pies with the horseradish inside). I could go on and on but I don't want you to get bored!!

I will, however, just mention the desserts 'fig porridge' with potimarron(squash), ice cream and milk mousse; meyer lemon cream, almonds mascapone mousse and chicory ice cream; chocolate mouse with salted butter ice cream, bourbon and peanuts; finally chestnut ice cream, milk chocolate mousse, mandarin sorbet, with crunchy chocolate biscuits. I got to try all of these as well as petit fours!

David came out to chat to us and I would really have liked to have had my photo taken with him but it would not have been the done thing!

Sam asked me to do a one line review on all the restaurants I visited in and around San Francisco and this is what I said about Manresa......"I never thought I would manage 18 courses! A wonderful variety of tastes and textures and a wonderful dining experience all-round, particularly when you get to meet the chef".

In case you are wondering I did not feel stuffed as I imagined I would, maybe that is because the meal was served very leisurely. I couldn't believe we were there for about five hours, the evening passed very quickly and it was fun anticipating what would be the next delight to be put before us!! So I think you can safely say I enjoyed my visit to Manresa, I hope it won't be my last!
When we were walking back to the car we saw this amazing view of the moon. My photo does not convey the beauty of the phenomenon we saw. I cannot remember what it is called but Fred had seen it before. I don't know if you will be able to see that the moon was completely encircled by another ring (it was much brighter than the photo shows). I'm sure there will be someone out there who can tell me what it is called!!


Archives:
2007: Fun Monday 6

Meeting Michael Jeneid....

Following on from yesterday's post.....

After paddling we walked along the beach and as I'm very nosy interested I wanted to get a close up look at one of the beach houses I could see in the distance.
As we got closer to the house I stopped to take some photos of Sam and Fred and suddenly this guy came striding along the beach with ski poles. He stopped and kindly offered to take a photo of the three of us. From his accent (well actually lack of it) I knew he was English and we got chatting. He explained he lives here on the beach and began to tell us about his life~ he did like to talk about himself but he has actually led an interesting life and I was quite fascinated. He started birdwatching as a young lad and kayaking as a teenager. Later he joined the Royal Marines and learned to cross country ski. He has travelled in many countries and written numerous books about birds, kayaking and cross country skiing. He now organises small group trips of birdwatching by kayak, and he lectures and runs workshops on these topics. As we said our goodbyes I asked his name as I wanted to check him out, so if you want to find out more about Michael Jeneid look here
As we left Stinson and climbed up out of the valley Sam stopped the car for me to take one last look and a couple of photos.

Archives:
2007: I felt like the Ambassador's Guest

Bring me sunshine.....

Why can't the weather make up it's mind and stay settled at least for a few days! After yesterday's sun, today is very windy. In fact gale force winds and rain have been predicted and I've already been chasing my recycling bin around the yard in lashing rain!! I'm sure you get the picture....what would I like to be doing...how about this!!

These pictures were taken when I was in San Francisco last year~ well Stinson Beach actually! While we were walking on this beach a guy stopped and offered to to take a photo of us. We got chatting and it turned out he was English and a writer but I'll save that for another post!

Archives:
2007: Where have I been today

de Young fine arts museum

When I was in San Francisco Sam and Fred took me to visit this wonderful fine arts museum. There were so many wonderful collections, and exhibitions that include beautiful paintings, sculpture, ethnic art and craft, furniture.
When we visited The Diane and Sandy Besser Collection really caught my eye. The teapot collection was amazing, as was all the African bead work. I couldn't take any teapot photos as there was too reflection from the glass and the lights which was quite disappointing.
The top of the building gave some lovely views, the day we were there the distance was a bit hazy. Can you spot the eye sore that spoiled the view in this photo!!
This is a pretty area you see as you move between the ground and first floor.
I would definitely recommend a visit.
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Hint # 5

Just one this week especially for the dog owners amongst us!!

Lawns with no brown patches
Put a tablespoon of vinegar in your dogs drinking water every day and you will no longer have those brown spots in your lawn from the dog's urine. (But will the dog drink the water!!)

Archives:
2007: Shop til we dropped

Electronic Arts~ Redwood City

Last week I gave you glimpse into Lucas Films and today you get a glimpse of the Electronic Arts building where Sam now works. I was also lucky enough to be shown around her work environment and have a quick lunch with her on my last day in San Francisco. I can't tell you anything about Sam's current project (that's in anticipation of anyone asking!). The two photos below are just the back of the buildings as viewed from the lovely sunny spot outside one of the canteen. I was not at all impressed with the sandwich I ordered and in fact as I recall I did not eat it all and it was so unmemorable I can't even tell you what was in it! I should have tried to get more photos because there are very good facilities for staff~ the tennis courts caught my eye as you can imagine!

I couldn't resist going into the shop to buy a little gift for the grandchildren! (I meant to take a photo but forgot~ cute little figure clocks).

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HINT # 4 These are White Vinegar tips.
Label Remover
Soak the label or sticker with vinegar, leave until it is saturated, then peel off. (now this is something I always have problems with so I need to try it out)

Collars and cuffs
Collars and cuffs can be cleaned by rubbing a thick paste of baking soda and vinegar onto the stains before washing in the usual way.

Fabric Softener and static cling reducer
Use as you would a liquid fabric softener.

Stain Remover
For stains caused by grass,coffee, tea, fruits and berries, soak clothing in full strength vinegar.

Getting rid of underarm marks
Perspiration marks can be eliminated by soaking them with vinegar before laundering in the usual way, To remove the solid residue on the underarm of a shirt left by deodorants, soak the area in white vinegar until saturated then wash as usual. This also removes any odour as well.

Cutting down lint on clothing
Another reason to use vinegar in the rinse cycle is that it cuts down on the lint. Put 150-275ml (1/4-1/2 pt) in the rinse cycle. You will notice the reduction in lint in the family's clothes. ( I have a few things that might benefit from this !!)

Terry Nappies (oh I remember them well!!)
1.Use 275ml (1/2pt) of vinegar to 9 litres (2 gallons) water in nappy pail to neutralise urine and it also helps to keep them from staining. ( wish I'd known this 40 years ago)

2. Adding 275ml (1/2pt) vinegar during rinse cycle equalises the pH balance and has been reported to prevent nappy rash.

3. Using vinegar in the wash cycle cuts the cost. Use half the recommended detergent during the wash and skip the fabric conditioner. Instead, put the nappies through an additional rinse at the end.

Unfortunately although I think it would be much better for the environment I somehow don't think Terry Nappies will make a big comeback~ although having said that I did notice in some of the nurseries I used to inspect some parents were beginning to use them.
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Now to a different sort of vinegar!
Anyone who likes English Fish 'n' Chips will also know there is nothing quite like the taste of the salt and vinegar they provide in the shop. Embee noticed the other day that they were actually selling it. So, naturally, we had to try it.... and yes it does taste authentic!

Archives:
2007: Don't you just love Garfield

Crouching Spider Sculpure by Louise Bourgeois

I do hope no one has Arachnophobia!!
Just outside the Ferry Building a new sculpture has appeared. This is Louise Bourgeois’ “Crouching Spider” and it is on loan for 8 months and stands on the Embarcadero. This large metal sculpture of a spider does have a certain charm and it is well worth a visit.

Below are a few that I played with.....








I wonder which version you like best, if any, please let me know!
Have a good weekend......we have torrential rain so I don't think I will be going far!

Archives:
2007: Pink Saucepans

Ferry Building Marketplace ( San Francisco)

Iknow it is now several months since my trip to San Francisco but I still have a few photos that I want to share. Anyone who follows Sam's blog will know of her love for some of the stalls at her local market. So I really wanted to share these photos with you, taken on a Saturday.

The Acme Bread Co makes the most delicious bread using only organic flour. As you are queuing you can see the bread being baked in the background and it's fascinating to see the speed these guys are working to produce enough bread. It is very difficult to make a choice as everything looks and smells wonderful. If you ever get the opportunity do try it. Actually I'm glad I was only visiting because I would definitely eat far too much bread if I lived there!

Rancho Gordo is a wonderful stall with so many varieties of beans. As a beginner to cooking beans I got some good advice and suggestions on what to buy. I was treated very well because Sam is so well known!
I'll let you know how I get on once I use them!
I mentioned in a previous post how fascinated I was with the mushrooms and I was drawn back for another look as I was mesmerized by the many varieties on offer.
As well as the ferry building all the stalls are set up around the outside on a Saturday. It gets very busy and it takes time to get a really good look at the most popular stalls. You might notice they have a 'Sur La Table" shop (see below) and this is where I bought a new knife.
When Sam said Saint Benoît's is the best yoghurt she had ever tasted I thought she was exaggerating but, having tasted it, I think I am inclined to agree with her. In addition to these little pots they do sell a larger pot but you need to be there early because they sell out quickly, as we found to our cost. The little pots are actually pottery and you pay for them but get a refund when you return the empty pot. So this is helping the environment as well. Oh I nearly forgot to mention you can get different flavours, I chose lemon which has lovely subtle flavour and combined perfectly with my muesli that Sam made using a recipe from Heidi Swanson's Super Natural Cooking Book.


Remember Sam's post about June Taylor's Tomato Ketchup. I visited her stand and bought some home and even though I do not normally like ketchup I have to say it's every bit as good as Sam says.

I can see why Sam loves shopping here and I know I would be a regular if I lived in San Francisco.

Archives:
2007: What a Coincidence

Lucas Films Ltd at the Digital Arts Centre~Presidio

I am very mindful that I have not finished telling you about my trip to the city where Tony Bennett left his heart. I can understand why this became his signature tune, and was adopted by the city!
However, the focus of my ramblings is not this song, but the fact that I was lucky enough take a tour of ILM-Lucas Films, which relocated to the Digital Arts Centre at the Presidio in 2005. Sam used to work there and Fred still does so he arranged to take us on a tour. US includes Enidd and her man. We were able to tour the whole building and see where Fred worked. En route we met many of Sam's old colleagues and one person even remember meeting me in Sausalito back in 2002. Maybe I haven't changed as much as I thought!!
All around the building the original models, together with numerous awards and some of the original cameras used in the filming, were on display.
I only took a few photos and decided to put them into a little slide show and leave you to see just which characters you recognise (I have to be honest and say I don't know them all~ so no prizes if you get them all correct as I won't know!). I think if I had snapped everything I saw I would have had hundreds of photos, so this is a flavour! At the completion of each film all the 'crew' are put into a photo and I did find Sam in several pictures but it's not possible to recognise anyone in the photo I took.


I also saw the magnificent cinema, where all the films are viewed, and naturally I had to have my photo taken (the wrinkles are less visible in B&W)!
After the tour we went for lunch at Pres a Vi. I think their lunch portions were a little too generous but apart from that the food was acceptable (it's no good looking to me for a proper food review)!!!
P.S. having published I see the video is not as clear as it looked on my computer~ so I'm disappointed.

Archives:
January 2007: The patient was laughing...

Ubuntu in Napa

While I was in San Francisco we had a trip to Napa to lunch at this restaurant. It was a beautiful day and I enjoyed the drive through the valley as it gave me the opportunity to see where the grapes for this famous wine area are grown. If you are wondering we didn't have time to stop off for any wine tasting!!
That I was also in the company of Cookiecrumb and Cranky really made my day. They are such lovely, welcoming and generous people; Cookiecrumb gave me a lovely bag from the Marin Farmers market. I was thrilled as we had actually called in on the market on our way to pick them up, so the bag is a lovely memento. Since I have given up using plastic bags I am busy collecting bags of various sizes, made from different materials for all different types of shopping; this new addition (shown below) has already been used several times.

The reason we dropped by the market was we were looking for leeks and bought just about all that were available. I also came away with a pot of Almond butter as my friend, Tina, is rather partial to it. I had to laugh because I'm not quite sure they are doing themselves any favours with the name and picture on the jar; it might put some people off! Ubuntu is a vegetarian restaurant (they will prepare the dishes as vegan) which has to be a plus but I was a little disappointed they were not a little more imaginative with the menu which had two pizza's out of a choice of five entrees. Sam is much better at describing the meal than I am, so if you are really interested you can go and read what she says. I will leave you with a few photos. I agree with Sam that the best choice was made by Cookiecrumb who had the 'cauliflower in a cast iron pot' this was a trio of roasted, pureed and raw cauliflower, vadouvan spice and brown butter toast. Oh and I know Sam raved about the potatoes but we all agreed they were good. I chose the salad starter because I had seen Persimmon in the market but had never tried this fruit, and I have to say it was very insipid, but it did give a little colour to the dish. I'm not a lover of olives (I did try one!) but that meant all the more for the others!
I can tell you the 'cheesecake in a jar' that we shared was really very good and to think we nearly passed on it!

Archives:
December 13th 2006: Celebration

Memories of my first Thanksgiving

I was so thrilled to experience my first real American Thanksgiving dinner hosted by Sam's friends Fatemeh and C. I was actually very nervous as I'm quite shy when it comes to social gatherings and I was wondering how I would fit in with a group of people who know each other very well. I needn't have worried because everyone especially Catherine and Jeff (with whom we shared a taxi) were very welcoming and immediately made me feel at ease. Another of Sam's friends Joy had given birth to a delightful little boy the previous week and her husband's family, who were visiting, also joined the party so there was another 'grandma' among the guests!

On thanksgiving morning Sam was very very busy in her kitchen preparing the dishes she was taking. I was put in charge of preparing mushrooms and generally helping to clear up. Sam made a mushroom stuffing, creamy leeks with crunchy topping, Cranberry jelly, pumpkin ice cream and S'mores pie.
We headed over the Bay Bridge for Oakland around mid-day, all the food was either balanced on trays or packed in an ice bag. Luckily the only mishap was the taxi driver taking the wrong exit off the freeway and taking us on a little detour!!
When we arrived preparations were in full swing and everyone pitched in to help set up the table and complete the final touches to the cooking. I was so impressed with the Fatemeh's organisational skills as everyone who needed it had oven space and time allocated. Actually why was I surprised~they are all good cooks and food bloggers so naturally they are always well organised and not a bit chaotic in the kitchen like me. As Sam pointed out, if I had everything weighed and ready in bowls the cooking bit it easy and although I'm reluctant to admit it she is of course right. It's how I was taught way back in the late 50's when I was taking Domestic Science as they called it then.
Just look at the lovely cheese board that we sampled along the way.


Below are pictures of Sam's mushroom stuffing the creamed leeks and the cranberry wine and rosemary jelly together with Joy and Jon's wild rice stuffing and Catherine's bean,almond with lemon zest dish.

These are some of the best mashed potatoes I've ever tasted and you can find the recipe here. Mind you won't need to be counting calories!! I'm going to try and reproduce this dish for one of our meals over Christmas.

As well as the turkey there was a delicious Fatted Calf Cider-Brined Ham and lots of other side dishes including green salad.
Popular consensus voted Sam's pie a huge success and she even made her own Marshmallow from scratch. If my memory serves me correctly she substituted corn syrup for Golden Syrup and I brought McVities Digestive biscuits with me from England for the base. My photos do not actually do it justice. If I've got this wrong she will soon put me right. I don't have the recipe and I bet someone will want it~ so Sam be prepared! Actually I bet Beccy and co would like it so maybe you could send it anyway or give us a link!

This is one of the three cute little French Bulldogs I met on Thanksgiving day. Do you remember when Sam looked after them last year. Since then Olive has joined the family. She's just a puppy and a bundle of mischief, unfortunately I didn't manage to get a photo!

Everything was very relaxed and I can honestly say that I had a memorable thanksgiving thanks to Sam, Fred and all their friends. I hope you have enjoyed this little glimpse into our day.

Archives:
December 6th 2006: Gibraltar (The Rock)

Introduction to 'Yield Wine Bar'

After arriving in San Francisco I was feeling pretty jaded having being awake for some 18 hours (I can never sleep on a plane. I read a whole book, except for the last chapter which I finished at the airport while I was waiting for Sam to pick me up. By the way I fully recommend this book). Thank you Alix
It was still early afternoon in San Francisco so it was a long time until I could sink into the oblivion of a comfy bed. Sam quickly whisked me off to do a bit of shopping that she needed for her Thanksgiving recipes. After this I was ready for catnap but Sam was insistent that I stayed awake. She assured me that I would benefit in the long run. At the time I didn't think so, as I actually felt quite ill because I was so tired.
The plan was to take me to the local wine bar Yield once Fred got home from work. It is a very short walk from where they live in the Dogpatch area of SF. You can find out more about Sam's locality here . In the end I think they were right as I lasted the evening and enjoyed my glass of wine and the delicious flatbread we had~I chose roasted pepper and oregano
see the plates are rapidly clearing! I can see why Sam and Fred enjoy visiting this friendly little neighbourhood bar which had a nice buzz of about it.

Sam has become friendly with the people who own the bar and she had brought a bottle of sparkling wine from England for the manager to try. Yes we got to have a glass as well It was well received and I think they were more than a little surprised that England produced such a reasonable quality sparkling wine!

Archives:
December 4th 2006: First Impression of Costa Del Sol