It's a teeny tiny shop with a very friendly, English-speaking owner. His porchetta is delivered fresh every morning. Get the special porchetta with everything and just... eat in silence. And, if you're like me, grin like a fool.
Showing posts with label sandwiches. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sandwiches. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 21, 2016
Rome eats: Pane & Vino
I really like sandwiches. But I loooooooooooooooooooooove porchetta sandwiches. I literally hunted down porchetta sandwiches when we were in Italy. One of the best eats near the Colosseum is Pane & Vino (Via Ostilia, 10, 00184).
It's a teeny tiny shop with a very friendly, English-speaking owner. His porchetta is delivered fresh every morning. Get the special porchetta with everything and just... eat in silence. And, if you're like me, grin like a fool.
It's a teeny tiny shop with a very friendly, English-speaking owner. His porchetta is delivered fresh every morning. Get the special porchetta with everything and just... eat in silence. And, if you're like me, grin like a fool.
Monday, January 4, 2016
The Rotunda - San Francisco
4/5 stars
I am a sucker for tea sandwiches. I could eat, like, a hundred of them. The problem is, you're never given a hundred :)
The ladies and I had reservations at 1:15 PM, but weren't seated until 2 PM. Usually I'd be annoyed, but this worked out for the best. We got an excellent table by the window overlooking the Christmas tree and the skating rink. Fills you with Christmas joy.
We started with drinks. I settled on a glass of the elegant, layered Moët et Chandon Brut Impérial, Epernay NV. All afternoon teas must start with bubbles IMO.
Before tea service, we were served a simple, yet delicious chicken consommé that warmed the soul and a hot popover with strawberry butter. That butter was one of the best parts of the tea service.
Next, came the three-tiered tray! Slightly salty scones that I used to spoon lemon curd into my mouth. Grapes, honeydew, and the piece de resistance: the tea sandwiches.
At The Rotunda, they're pretty good. My favorite was the roast beef + horseradish on rye. There was also an egg salad with bacon, the classic cucumber and cream cheese, and a chicken salad. There were also these tasty prosciutto roll-ups with walnuts. I usually don't like walnuts in things, but it went well with the thinly-sliced ham.
Desserts were average. The best ones were the fruit tart and the chocolate whoopie pie.
Our server Nick was lovely and the stained glass ceiling was even lovelier with the light shining through it.
This was definitely a treat.
(2015)
I am a sucker for tea sandwiches. I could eat, like, a hundred of them. The problem is, you're never given a hundred :)
The ladies and I had reservations at 1:15 PM, but weren't seated until 2 PM. Usually I'd be annoyed, but this worked out for the best. We got an excellent table by the window overlooking the Christmas tree and the skating rink. Fills you with Christmas joy.
We started with drinks. I settled on a glass of the elegant, layered Moët et Chandon Brut Impérial, Epernay NV. All afternoon teas must start with bubbles IMO.
Before tea service, we were served a simple, yet delicious chicken consommé that warmed the soul and a hot popover with strawberry butter. That butter was one of the best parts of the tea service.
Next, came the three-tiered tray! Slightly salty scones that I used to spoon lemon curd into my mouth. Grapes, honeydew, and the piece de resistance: the tea sandwiches.
At The Rotunda, they're pretty good. My favorite was the roast beef + horseradish on rye. There was also an egg salad with bacon, the classic cucumber and cream cheese, and a chicken salad. There were also these tasty prosciutto roll-ups with walnuts. I usually don't like walnuts in things, but it went well with the thinly-sliced ham.
Desserts were average. The best ones were the fruit tart and the chocolate whoopie pie.
Our server Nick was lovely and the stained glass ceiling was even lovelier with the light shining through it.
This was definitely a treat.
(2015)
Sunday, January 3, 2016
Original Gravity Public House - San Jose
3/5 stars
Went here with a group of friends to celebrate my hubby-who-worships-beer. It's *very* hard to find a place that can pour him 5 beers he's never had before. Original Gravity won that challenge.
The beer list was quite original (pun intended) with the prices ranging from acceptable to high. The wine pours were generous. Cons were: no gluten-free beer or cider for my friends who can't have wheat and VERY VERY BIG CON (in my eyes): the duck fat fries DID NOT taste like they were fried in duck fat. Moar duck fat please!
The sauces were pretty awesome (I really liked the sundried tomato and garlic one). The sausages were good (solid amount of oozing cheese), but they were no Rosamunde. Don't get the sauerkraut. It was basically shredded cabbage. Definitely needed more time pickling.
Seating is limited inside, but they can probably fit about 30 people in the outdoor space in the back. Service was meh.
I am not sure if we'll come back because it just wasn't my vibe.
(2013)
Went here with a group of friends to celebrate my hubby-who-worships-beer. It's *very* hard to find a place that can pour him 5 beers he's never had before. Original Gravity won that challenge.
The beer list was quite original (pun intended) with the prices ranging from acceptable to high. The wine pours were generous. Cons were: no gluten-free beer or cider for my friends who can't have wheat and VERY VERY BIG CON (in my eyes): the duck fat fries DID NOT taste like they were fried in duck fat. Moar duck fat please!
The sauces were pretty awesome (I really liked the sundried tomato and garlic one). The sausages were good (solid amount of oozing cheese), but they were no Rosamunde. Don't get the sauerkraut. It was basically shredded cabbage. Definitely needed more time pickling.
Seating is limited inside, but they can probably fit about 30 people in the outdoor space in the back. Service was meh.
I am not sure if we'll come back because it just wasn't my vibe.
(2013)
Bertucelli’s La Villa - San Jose
5/5 stars
I watch a lot a lot of DDD on the Food Network and Guy goes to an Italian deli every now and then. Every time he does, I want whatever he's nomming: raviolis made with fresh pasta, sandwiches wrapped in paper, and homemade, generations-old marinara sauce.
La Villa delivers all that and MORE.
The more? A killer, rich, heavy, awe-inspiring lasagna. Definitely the best lasagna I've ever had. I also had a solid sandwich piled high with salami and prosciutto on a sweet roll. It wasn't warmed, but it was still really good.
The ravs (raviolis as they're endearingly called) don't disappoint either. The balance of meat + spinach + spices is out of this world and even after a day in the fridge, the pillow-y pastas still had chew. Love love love the consistency of fresh (non-soggy) pasta. The marinara sauce was sooooooooo good. It defines what homemade marinara sauce is supposed to taste like.
This post dedicated to my co-worker who took me on an "Italian field trip" to this little gem of a deli. And to her dad whom she flies lasagna to every Christmas.
(2012)
I watch a lot a lot of DDD on the Food Network and Guy goes to an Italian deli every now and then. Every time he does, I want whatever he's nomming: raviolis made with fresh pasta, sandwiches wrapped in paper, and homemade, generations-old marinara sauce.
La Villa delivers all that and MORE.
The more? A killer, rich, heavy, awe-inspiring lasagna. Definitely the best lasagna I've ever had. I also had a solid sandwich piled high with salami and prosciutto on a sweet roll. It wasn't warmed, but it was still really good.
The ravs (raviolis as they're endearingly called) don't disappoint either. The balance of meat + spinach + spices is out of this world and even after a day in the fridge, the pillow-y pastas still had chew. Love love love the consistency of fresh (non-soggy) pasta. The marinara sauce was sooooooooo good. It defines what homemade marinara sauce is supposed to taste like.
This post dedicated to my co-worker who took me on an "Italian field trip" to this little gem of a deli. And to her dad whom she flies lasagna to every Christmas.
(2012)
Chick-fil-A - Orlando, FL
5/5 stars
I will always love Chick-Fil-A even though I do feel conflicted about it. I don't believe in their beliefs, but I grew up on this stuff. Chick-Fil-A is a part of my childhood. When you're five, you don't know what a business supports or doesn't support. All you know is that you like the simplicity of a chicken sandwich with pickles, served with a real lemonade. All you know is that their waffle fries are different from McDonald's -- and possibly better. All you know is that their Chick-Fil-A and polynesian sauce make you happy.
(2012)
I will always love Chick-Fil-A even though I do feel conflicted about it. I don't believe in their beliefs, but I grew up on this stuff. Chick-Fil-A is a part of my childhood. When you're five, you don't know what a business supports or doesn't support. All you know is that you like the simplicity of a chicken sandwich with pickles, served with a real lemonade. All you know is that their waffle fries are different from McDonald's -- and possibly better. All you know is that their Chick-Fil-A and polynesian sauce make you happy.
(2012)
Puka Dog - Koloa, HI
4/5 stars
Worth the hype. So much so, we rushed to pack up our little condo to make it to Puka Dog before our flight.
Puka means hole! Hot dog stuffed in the puka of a soft, squishy Hawaiian roll. Served with garlic, lemon sauce, (really yummy) passion fruit mustard, & pineapple relish - that was a win win combination.
Not a tourist trap. Definitely recommend grabbing one before going to the airport. It'll make leaving Hawaii a little less of a huge bummer.
(2012)
Worth the hype. So much so, we rushed to pack up our little condo to make it to Puka Dog before our flight.
Puka means hole! Hot dog stuffed in the puka of a soft, squishy Hawaiian roll. Served with garlic, lemon sauce, (really yummy) passion fruit mustard, & pineapple relish - that was a win win combination.
Not a tourist trap. Definitely recommend grabbing one before going to the airport. It'll make leaving Hawaii a little less of a huge bummer.
(2012)
Tuesday, December 29, 2015
Mac’s Kosher Style Delicatessen - Santa Rosa
5/5 stars
If I lived in Santa Rosa, I'd probably get fat off these sandwiches.
After a morning of wedding venue touring, we stopped in here for a quick bite. Settling down into a booth, I felt like we were in some Great Aunt's kitchen - friendly, easy, inviting. With lots of cooked-with-love meat warming in the kitchen.
Ordered the hot pastrami with slaw on a soft onion roll and it was phenomenal. The pastrami was perfectly-seasoned, juicy, and piled high Seriously tasty stuff.
The slaw and macaroni salad were homemade and not overly mayo-ed. I almost always order macaroni salad and, unfortunately, almost always never find a salad that isn't drowning in mayo. Boy always wonders why I order it if I never end up eating it. Answer is because sometimes, I'll get lucky and find a macaroni salad like the one made at Mac's.
And it all came with a crispy dill pickle.
Can't say much more than: perfect.
(2010)
If I lived in Santa Rosa, I'd probably get fat off these sandwiches.
After a morning of wedding venue touring, we stopped in here for a quick bite. Settling down into a booth, I felt like we were in some Great Aunt's kitchen - friendly, easy, inviting. With lots of cooked-with-love meat warming in the kitchen.
Ordered the hot pastrami with slaw on a soft onion roll and it was phenomenal. The pastrami was perfectly-seasoned, juicy, and piled high Seriously tasty stuff.
The slaw and macaroni salad were homemade and not overly mayo-ed. I almost always order macaroni salad and, unfortunately, almost always never find a salad that isn't drowning in mayo. Boy always wonders why I order it if I never end up eating it. Answer is because sometimes, I'll get lucky and find a macaroni salad like the one made at Mac's.
And it all came with a crispy dill pickle.
Can't say much more than: perfect.
(2010)
Monday, December 28, 2015
Bakesale Betty - Oakland
4/5 stars
Our Valentine's Day menu:
1. Betty's chicken sandwich for breakfast
2. Celebrator beer fest for lunch
3. Fenton's ice cream sundaes for dinner
The slaw was fantastic. I gobbled it up even though I can't tolerate spicy foods and there were jalapenos everywhere. The chicken was fried to a beautiful golden brown and seasoned well (mayhaps a touch too salty) so I didn't need any ketchup. I loved the buttery french roll it was served on. Overall, a solid package. I love shops that do one thing really, really well.
P.S. eating outside on retro ironing boards was kinda a neat idea!
(2010)
Our Valentine's Day menu:
1. Betty's chicken sandwich for breakfast
2. Celebrator beer fest for lunch
3. Fenton's ice cream sundaes for dinner
The slaw was fantastic. I gobbled it up even though I can't tolerate spicy foods and there were jalapenos everywhere. The chicken was fried to a beautiful golden brown and seasoned well (mayhaps a touch too salty) so I didn't need any ketchup. I loved the buttery french roll it was served on. Overall, a solid package. I love shops that do one thing really, really well.
P.S. eating outside on retro ironing boards was kinda a neat idea!
(2010)
Rosamunde Sausage Grill - San Francisco
5/5 stars
Had the chicken sausage with cherries tonight. It went really well with the onions and sweet, red peppers.
But the winner of the night was clearly the all-beef knockwurst. Do not order this if you don't like hot dogs, because that's what it tasted like: a really high-end, juicy, perfect, fat hot dog. I love that it had an outter casing with snap!
$3 pint and a Rosamunde sausage? What a way to start a Friday night!
(2009)
Had the chicken sausage with cherries tonight. It went really well with the onions and sweet, red peppers.
But the winner of the night was clearly the all-beef knockwurst. Do not order this if you don't like hot dogs, because that's what it tasted like: a really high-end, juicy, perfect, fat hot dog. I love that it had an outter casing with snap!
$3 pint and a Rosamunde sausage? What a way to start a Friday night!
(2009)
Tony Luke's - Philadelphia
5/5 stars
We said "Hello" to Philly with a cheesesteak, it was only fitting that we said good-bye with a cheesesteak as well. I picked Tony Luke's because he beat Bobby Flay's sandwich on Throwdown!
CHEESESTEAK: At least 4 inches longer and 20x tastier than my sandwich at Pat's. This was a hot, amazing work of sandwich art. I got it with whiz and brocolli rabe and piled on the dill pickles. It was so juicy, I was dripping all over the place. The whole package - quality/cut of meat, the bread, the cheese, the unique flavor of the rabe - was perfect. The bf ordered it hoagie style (lettuce, tomato, mayo) and the sharp cheddar was really good. Pat's may be the original, but Tony Luke's makes it so much better.
ATMOSPHERE: There was a long line - mostly baseball fans - but very limited outdoor seating. Service was nice and the "take-as-many-pickles-peppers-as-you'd-like" was convenient. Menu is super impressive: you can get chicken, pork and veal sandwiches, and breakfast, too!
(2009)
We said "Hello" to Philly with a cheesesteak, it was only fitting that we said good-bye with a cheesesteak as well. I picked Tony Luke's because he beat Bobby Flay's sandwich on Throwdown!
CHEESESTEAK: At least 4 inches longer and 20x tastier than my sandwich at Pat's. This was a hot, amazing work of sandwich art. I got it with whiz and brocolli rabe and piled on the dill pickles. It was so juicy, I was dripping all over the place. The whole package - quality/cut of meat, the bread, the cheese, the unique flavor of the rabe - was perfect. The bf ordered it hoagie style (lettuce, tomato, mayo) and the sharp cheddar was really good. Pat's may be the original, but Tony Luke's makes it so much better.
ATMOSPHERE: There was a long line - mostly baseball fans - but very limited outdoor seating. Service was nice and the "take-as-many-pickles-peppers-as-you'd-like" was convenient. Menu is super impressive: you can get chicken, pork and veal sandwiches, and breakfast, too!
(2009)
Pat’s King of Steaks - Philadelphia
3/5 stars
It was midnight and we were fresh off the plane. There wasn't a better way to start our mini-Philly vacation than with a cheesesteak!
After much research, I decided that we had to go to Pat's first because Pat's WAS the first - the place where the cheesesteak was invented.
CHEESESTEAK: Bread was authentic white, Italian (fresh-tasting, despite being midnight, not too tough or chewy) and the meat was quality, thick shavings, with bits of fat to keep it juicy. Chopped onions were delicious because they were cooked in the beef fat and the provolone was nice and sharp. It was a fine, decent sandwich - especially if you just flew 6 hours across the U.S. and you're starving. There were only two problems with it: my sandwich was warm (not hot) and because it was served warm, my cheese never melted. I prefer ooey-gooey, cheesy cheesesteak sandwiches, not steak sandwiches with slices of cold cheese.
ATMOSPHERE: Outdoor seating only, you can't get lettuce and tomatoes with your cheesesteak, and the place is overrun with disgusting drunks BUT it's open 24-hours, so if you don't want to dine with the late-night crowd, don't go late at night! Service was very fast and well ... they gave the bf a FREE cheesesteak because they had one lying around that nobody wanted (it had both cheese whiz and provolone on it). Can't complain! Hello, welcome to Philly! Here's your free cheesesteak!
(2009)
It was midnight and we were fresh off the plane. There wasn't a better way to start our mini-Philly vacation than with a cheesesteak!
After much research, I decided that we had to go to Pat's first because Pat's WAS the first - the place where the cheesesteak was invented.
CHEESESTEAK: Bread was authentic white, Italian (fresh-tasting, despite being midnight, not too tough or chewy) and the meat was quality, thick shavings, with bits of fat to keep it juicy. Chopped onions were delicious because they were cooked in the beef fat and the provolone was nice and sharp. It was a fine, decent sandwich - especially if you just flew 6 hours across the U.S. and you're starving. There were only two problems with it: my sandwich was warm (not hot) and because it was served warm, my cheese never melted. I prefer ooey-gooey, cheesy cheesesteak sandwiches, not steak sandwiches with slices of cold cheese.
ATMOSPHERE: Outdoor seating only, you can't get lettuce and tomatoes with your cheesesteak, and the place is overrun with disgusting drunks BUT it's open 24-hours, so if you don't want to dine with the late-night crowd, don't go late at night! Service was very fast and well ... they gave the bf a FREE cheesesteak because they had one lying around that nobody wanted (it had both cheese whiz and provolone on it). Can't complain! Hello, welcome to Philly! Here's your free cheesesteak!
(2009)
Thursday, August 13, 2015
BriarPatch Co-op - Grass Valley
5/5 stars
The 5 stars isn't for the hippies, no. Or for the yuppies.
It's not for the $9 portobello mushroom or for the "Yes, that's nice, it's organic, but it's also $3.99... for an avocado." It's not for the twenty-something-a-pound meat or the seven-something-n-another for a small, plastic container of pesto.
The five exuberant stars is for the BEST GRILLED CHEESE SANDWICH I've ever had in my life.
Fresh sourdough bread, sharp, sharp cheddar, spicy pepper jack all melted into ooey-gooey-goodness. Throw in perfectly grilled, slightly sour green apples and sugary caramelized onions and you have got yourself a work of art.
Save your money, don't shop here. However, treat yourself to what Heaven probably tastes like and order the Gourmet Grilled Cheese at the deli.
Drool.
(2008)
The 5 stars isn't for the hippies, no. Or for the yuppies.
It's not for the $9 portobello mushroom or for the "Yes, that's nice, it's organic, but it's also $3.99... for an avocado." It's not for the twenty-something-a-pound meat or the seven-something-n-another for a small, plastic container of pesto.
The five exuberant stars is for the BEST GRILLED CHEESE SANDWICH I've ever had in my life.
Fresh sourdough bread, sharp, sharp cheddar, spicy pepper jack all melted into ooey-gooey-goodness. Throw in perfectly grilled, slightly sour green apples and sugary caramelized onions and you have got yourself a work of art.
Save your money, don't shop here. However, treat yourself to what Heaven probably tastes like and order the Gourmet Grilled Cheese at the deli.
Drool.
(2008)
Ike's Place - San Francisco
5/5 stars
It's like somebody told you to go to the corner of 16th and Sanchez because there was a unicorn there. Seriously, a really beautiful unicorn with flowing, rainbow colored hair n' everything! You just HAVE to go see the unicorn... right there... on 16th and Sanchez. Would you believe the hype?
Well, I did and today, we decided to drive all the way to San Francisco for yes, one of the best sandwiches ever.
I mean, how could we not? It was Ike's birthday after all and Misty had bought him a princess balloon n' everything!
Ike et Co. are amazing people. Heck, I was only standing there for maybe 5 minutes and I think the only words I said to Ike were, "Ex-Boyfriend" (darling name of the sandwich I ordered) and "Happy Birthday" BUT STILL I could tell that they were amazing people. They had to be to make sandwiches bursting with that much love.
Like many other Yelpers, I can't wait to go back. I'm jealous of my friend Misty who A) lives a block away, B) may get a sandwich named after her, and C) got to eat an Ike-made sandwich 3x this week already. On the other hand, I love my friend Misty for introducing me to this gem of a gem of gem.
LOOK OUT! I'm going to start cataloguing the sandwiches I eat here because yes, I'm definitely going back to see the unicorn. Besides, I had SO MUCH trouble deciding on which sandwich to order. I want to try as many as I can!
March 26, 2008 - I ordered the "Ex-Boyrfriend" on Dutch Crunch which had what I believe to be not one but TWO kinds of lean, high-quality salami, Ike's yummy, perfectly cooked (not limp, not burnt) bacon, cheddar, dirty sauce, avocado, lettuce, and tomatoes. The sandwich was heated to perfection so that the cheese was all gooey-melted, the bread was toasted, but not dry, and everything was warm and still moist. I hate how Quiznos toast their sandwiches. They have a thing or two or three hundred to learn from Ike's. And the dirty sauce - garlicky deliciousness. Now THIS is my kind of mayo! I wonder where they get their bread? I never had Dutch Crunch that good - chewy n' tasted like it just came out of the oven fresh.
April 12, 2008 - I brought a loved one to Ike's because A) mama always said sharing is caring and Ike's sandwiches of love are totally meant for sharing and B) if I brought a friend and we each ordered a different sandwich then technically I would get to try TWO of Ike's incredible sandwiches... GENIUS!
I am not a wine connoisseur. I buy wine based on what the BevMo! employees tell me to buy or if the bottle's got a cute label. However, I am proud to say that I am a chicken fried steak connoisseur. My skinny Asian @$$ is from the South, after all. Cruising through the menu, I knew I had to try it... the "FORTY?!" A chicken fried steak smothered in melted cheddar cheese on dutch crutch. Oh mercy!
I'm not gonna lie, it was greasy, it was fattening, and my arteries probably cried a river afterwards, but Ike is a mad genius. I talked to him afterwards and he told me that he had originally made the sandwich for himself. Well, Ike, thanks for sharing. Chicken fried steak was flavorful and still had a bit of a crunch despite being made up into a sandwich drippin' in dirty sauce.
The second sandwich I tried was the "Super Mario" and it's... you know why Ike's so successful? Because he doesn't just make a meatball sub with frozen stuff. It all tastes like it was made carefully. I heard the vegan meatballs were killer, so in my mind, that meant that the non-vegan meatballs were gonna be good. I like being right.
Melted mozzerella sticks, tangy marinara sauce, and let me tell you, I don't like wheat, but Ike's wheat bread is soft and cushiony and delicious. Way to go, Ike!
(2008)
It's like somebody told you to go to the corner of 16th and Sanchez because there was a unicorn there. Seriously, a really beautiful unicorn with flowing, rainbow colored hair n' everything! You just HAVE to go see the unicorn... right there... on 16th and Sanchez. Would you believe the hype?
Well, I did and today, we decided to drive all the way to San Francisco for yes, one of the best sandwiches ever.
I mean, how could we not? It was Ike's birthday after all and Misty had bought him a princess balloon n' everything!
Ike et Co. are amazing people. Heck, I was only standing there for maybe 5 minutes and I think the only words I said to Ike were, "Ex-Boyfriend" (darling name of the sandwich I ordered) and "Happy Birthday" BUT STILL I could tell that they were amazing people. They had to be to make sandwiches bursting with that much love.
Like many other Yelpers, I can't wait to go back. I'm jealous of my friend Misty who A) lives a block away, B) may get a sandwich named after her, and C) got to eat an Ike-made sandwich 3x this week already. On the other hand, I love my friend Misty for introducing me to this gem of a gem of gem.
LOOK OUT! I'm going to start cataloguing the sandwiches I eat here because yes, I'm definitely going back to see the unicorn. Besides, I had SO MUCH trouble deciding on which sandwich to order. I want to try as many as I can!
March 26, 2008 - I ordered the "Ex-Boyrfriend" on Dutch Crunch which had what I believe to be not one but TWO kinds of lean, high-quality salami, Ike's yummy, perfectly cooked (not limp, not burnt) bacon, cheddar, dirty sauce, avocado, lettuce, and tomatoes. The sandwich was heated to perfection so that the cheese was all gooey-melted, the bread was toasted, but not dry, and everything was warm and still moist. I hate how Quiznos toast their sandwiches. They have a thing or two or three hundred to learn from Ike's. And the dirty sauce - garlicky deliciousness. Now THIS is my kind of mayo! I wonder where they get their bread? I never had Dutch Crunch that good - chewy n' tasted like it just came out of the oven fresh.
April 12, 2008 - I brought a loved one to Ike's because A) mama always said sharing is caring and Ike's sandwiches of love are totally meant for sharing and B) if I brought a friend and we each ordered a different sandwich then technically I would get to try TWO of Ike's incredible sandwiches... GENIUS!
I am not a wine connoisseur. I buy wine based on what the BevMo! employees tell me to buy or if the bottle's got a cute label. However, I am proud to say that I am a chicken fried steak connoisseur. My skinny Asian @$$ is from the South, after all. Cruising through the menu, I knew I had to try it... the "FORTY?!" A chicken fried steak smothered in melted cheddar cheese on dutch crutch. Oh mercy!
I'm not gonna lie, it was greasy, it was fattening, and my arteries probably cried a river afterwards, but Ike is a mad genius. I talked to him afterwards and he told me that he had originally made the sandwich for himself. Well, Ike, thanks for sharing. Chicken fried steak was flavorful and still had a bit of a crunch despite being made up into a sandwich drippin' in dirty sauce.
The second sandwich I tried was the "Super Mario" and it's... you know why Ike's so successful? Because he doesn't just make a meatball sub with frozen stuff. It all tastes like it was made carefully. I heard the vegan meatballs were killer, so in my mind, that meant that the non-vegan meatballs were gonna be good. I like being right.
Melted mozzerella sticks, tangy marinara sauce, and let me tell you, I don't like wheat, but Ike's wheat bread is soft and cushiony and delicious. Way to go, Ike!
(2008)
Thursday, January 22, 2015
Top Dog - San Jose (closed)
4/5 stars
FOOD: Hit the spot! It's awesome that when you want a hot dog, you can go to some place OTHER than Wienerschnitzel and Costco to satisfy your craving. These were top quality NY, German, and Polish dogs - and for only $2.75!! Warning: if you're hungry, order 2 because they're kinda on the small side.
Grilled perfectly, placed into a toasty sesame bun, and wrapped in paper. No frills! Actually, that's why I'm docking one star. Wished the condiment bar had more to offer and was... well... prettier. Glad there were 3 kinds of mustard to choose from, warm saurkraut, and chopped onion though - those are the winners. And my favorite hot dog was the Top Dog - it was soo juicy, had a lot of flavor, and, my favorite part, it bites back. A.K.A. casing's got some resistent when you bite into it.
ATMSOPHERE: Dive! Dive! Dive! No seats inside, 'cept at the counter. Nice patio area though, if it wasn't raining.
(2007)
FOOD: Hit the spot! It's awesome that when you want a hot dog, you can go to some place OTHER than Wienerschnitzel and Costco to satisfy your craving. These were top quality NY, German, and Polish dogs - and for only $2.75!! Warning: if you're hungry, order 2 because they're kinda on the small side.
Grilled perfectly, placed into a toasty sesame bun, and wrapped in paper. No frills! Actually, that's why I'm docking one star. Wished the condiment bar had more to offer and was... well... prettier. Glad there were 3 kinds of mustard to choose from, warm saurkraut, and chopped onion though - those are the winners. And my favorite hot dog was the Top Dog - it was soo juicy, had a lot of flavor, and, my favorite part, it bites back. A.K.A. casing's got some resistent when you bite into it.
ATMSOPHERE: Dive! Dive! Dive! No seats inside, 'cept at the counter. Nice patio area though, if it wasn't raining.
(2007)
Thursday, January 15, 2015
Sourdough Eatery - San Jose
5/5 stars
ohmygawd, I LOVE this place. Not only is this place, hands down, my most favorite sandwich shop ever, but it's also one of my favorite dad+me+lunch memory. Thanks dad, for taking me here when I was little (and for always asking me the same question and putting a big smile on my face: What night do you think the Indian stands guard here?)
FOOD: I'm really sad because I'm pretty sure that the sourdough bread recipe will die with its owners. It's the most incredible buttery and slightly sour, crisp yet still soft like a pillow bread. The meats and cheese are really high quality - my favorite is the German salami - wow, it's really, really, really good salami. All sandwiches are the same price ($7, cash only) and come with mayo, lettuce, swiss cheese (this is how good swiss cheese is probably supposed to taste like), and a pickle spear on the side. There are NO substitutions, no avocado, no customizations... and there are the signs to tell you what you can not have or do. Totally reminds me of the Soup Nazi from "Seinfeld" but man, for a sandwich as heavenly as this, I'm happy to oblige.
ATMOSPHERE: Part art gallery, part secret garden. The Eatery is run by a beautiful older woman (you have no doubt that she must've been a starlet in her day) and her husband. The woman is a painter and the whole interior of the restaurant is covered with her bright and colorful (and kinda cheesy) paintings of presidents and Hollywood stars. Outside, there are so many charming places to sit - it's my idea of the perfect patio filled with flowers, vines, the trickling of water from fountains, mismatched tables, chairs, and other knickknacks.
My only complaint about this place - it's closed more than its open! The Eatery's hours are 11AM to 2PM, Mon thru Fri ONLY!!
(2007)
ohmygawd, I LOVE this place. Not only is this place, hands down, my most favorite sandwich shop ever, but it's also one of my favorite dad+me+lunch memory. Thanks dad, for taking me here when I was little (and for always asking me the same question and putting a big smile on my face: What night do you think the Indian stands guard here?)
FOOD: I'm really sad because I'm pretty sure that the sourdough bread recipe will die with its owners. It's the most incredible buttery and slightly sour, crisp yet still soft like a pillow bread. The meats and cheese are really high quality - my favorite is the German salami - wow, it's really, really, really good salami. All sandwiches are the same price ($7, cash only) and come with mayo, lettuce, swiss cheese (this is how good swiss cheese is probably supposed to taste like), and a pickle spear on the side. There are NO substitutions, no avocado, no customizations... and there are the signs to tell you what you can not have or do. Totally reminds me of the Soup Nazi from "Seinfeld" but man, for a sandwich as heavenly as this, I'm happy to oblige.
ATMOSPHERE: Part art gallery, part secret garden. The Eatery is run by a beautiful older woman (you have no doubt that she must've been a starlet in her day) and her husband. The woman is a painter and the whole interior of the restaurant is covered with her bright and colorful (and kinda cheesy) paintings of presidents and Hollywood stars. Outside, there are so many charming places to sit - it's my idea of the perfect patio filled with flowers, vines, the trickling of water from fountains, mismatched tables, chairs, and other knickknacks.
My only complaint about this place - it's closed more than its open! The Eatery's hours are 11AM to 2PM, Mon thru Fri ONLY!!
(2007)
Sunday, January 11, 2015
Amato's - San Jose
5/5 stars
WHY I'M WRITING THIS: I'm new to Yelp and wanted my first review to be a great place that's a real treat that many people may not know about. So I decided on Amato's - this place is one of my all-time favorite dives in the Bay Area!
THE FOOD: Located on the corner of what could be considered a half of a strip of a gray strip mall, Amato's sandwiches are a work of art. Cheap art. One 6" (about $7) can feed two full-grown people. I always order the cheese steak hoagie which comes with melted white american cheese, sauteed onions, lettuce, tomatoes, and sprinkled with italian spices. Peppers on the side. The peppers are sweet and mild and really compliment the hearty, cheesy sandwich. I also really like their onion rings, but if you really want an artery-clogging meal, order the gooey good cheesy fries. I'd stay away from the chicken sandwiches though - come here for the cheesesteaks! You can eat there (not a good place for big parties though, I'd say max. 4) or get it to-go.
Note, this place is a DIVE. I think it's got character though. Just come for the food. It's a real gem.
WHY I'M WRITING THIS: I'm new to Yelp and wanted my first review to be a great place that's a real treat that many people may not know about. So I decided on Amato's - this place is one of my all-time favorite dives in the Bay Area!
THE FOOD: Located on the corner of what could be considered a half of a strip of a gray strip mall, Amato's sandwiches are a work of art. Cheap art. One 6" (about $7) can feed two full-grown people. I always order the cheese steak hoagie which comes with melted white american cheese, sauteed onions, lettuce, tomatoes, and sprinkled with italian spices. Peppers on the side. The peppers are sweet and mild and really compliment the hearty, cheesy sandwich. I also really like their onion rings, but if you really want an artery-clogging meal, order the gooey good cheesy fries. I'd stay away from the chicken sandwiches though - come here for the cheesesteaks! You can eat there (not a good place for big parties though, I'd say max. 4) or get it to-go.
Note, this place is a DIVE. I think it's got character though. Just come for the food. It's a real gem.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)