tasteaffected
Dinner Party 12-12 for 12 people
My most excellent roomate had a birthday on the 12th and it was decided that a dinner party was in order. I dutifully volunteered to stop at St. Francis to buy wine during my workday (yes, I tasted while I was there-you would have too!), then headed home to begin preparations. On the menu was: [...]
The Only Way To A Happy Thanksgiving- Missytaters
Big families are a mixed blessing for someone like me. Do I love that I am blessed with a huge, amazing family? Of course. That we are all great cooks? Even better. But I secretly wish I was going to be able to cook the whole meal myself…. I know-downright selfish. But I can’t help [...]
The Opposite of November Rain (and it’s effect on my food choices!)
I got out of my car this morning and was stunned to experience the bliss that can be an early November morning in Northern California. The stars were still out at nearly 7am, there was a warm breeze. It was eerie but beautiful. All that kept crossing my mind was “This is November?!”. November is [...]
Left Bank Santana Row- C’est Magnifique!
Left Bank-Santana Row… Oh, how I love you…. I have to start this post with a little astonishment. I almost started to blame myself, but really-I blame YOU. That’s right. If you are reading this and you have been to Santana Row before SHAME ON YOU for not clueing me in. I felt like I [...]
Sweet Potato Fries and Spicy Sauce…mmmmmmmmmmm……….
There is something magical about the combination of sweet potato fries and a spicy aioli-type dipping sauce. I’d love to throw rose petals at the feet of the genius who noticed this match was made in heaven. I am going to review how well this match was executed at three Bay Area locations: 1515 in [...]
Bogle Chardonnay-A Love Affair
I will never forget my introduction to this great everyday white wine. I was flipping through the latest Wine Spectator magazine (Like any self-respecting foodie would be, duh) when I came across a life-altering article. Okay-to be fair, it wasn’t the latest. Wasn’t even this year’s… My grandma Maggie gives me her cast-offs. Now that you know [...]
What a day of wine tasting…. Where to begin?!?!
Seriously. I have had some interesting and varied experiences on these wine tasting trips-and there have been many. However, yesterday takes the cake in many arenas…. First stop was St. Francis. I had never been before and now I am wondering why?? It was fantastic. We had a reservation for a 1pm food & wine [...]
Fleming’s Steakhouse (and a couple in the ladies room!)
I didn’t have high hopes or really any expecations walking into this chain. That really worked to my advantage. I have been here 4 times for dinner and countless times for the awesome happy hour. (5 different cocktails, wines and apps for $6 until 7pm). Everytime I go I am pleased. The service is reliably [...]
EJ Phair Brewing Company
I am one of those wierd people who LOVES the rain. You can’t imagine what it does to my mood. All good. What does this have to do with a brewery you might be asking? Be patient. I swear I will get there eventually. So, yesterday was a lazy Monday. It started raining and I [...]
Stacy’s Cafe Pleasanton
Ahhhhhhh, Stacey, Where to begin… Before I can heap any praise at all (no matter how deserved it might be) on the Pleasanton location, I must ask that you IMMEDIATELY close the doors in Dublin. EWWE. Awful. Icky. Need I say more? There is nothing, and I mean nothing, worse than a bad imitation! Okay, [...]
