Phiz Coffee; "Wow" At First Sip...

There's finally a reason to get up (early) in the morning! I say early because I'm one of those people who usually gets up in the morning with just enough time to get to work on time. I have been inspired to get up a little early to take a detour to the amazing mecca that is PHILZ COFFEE.

Upon the very nice and informative barista's (barist-o?) recommendation, my first taste of Philz Coffee was Jacob's Wonderbar Brew. "Wow"...yes. WOW! This epic moment was followed up with "Wow's" after each sip. I couldn't help it.

Since my first experience, four days ago, I've gone back four times. Sad? Maybe. But to think of going back to regular coffee would be dreadful. I thought about going through the menu and trying each blend. So far, Jacob's Wonderbar is the best...First timer? Go with Jacob's.

With the exception of the cashier, service is excellent! The baristas are super friendly and PATIENT...which is what I love. They actually take the time to find out what you like and explain the various blends to help you find the perfect match and without a doubt, you'll find a winner. If only dating was this easy...

Dynamo Donuts and Coffee; Did Someone Say Bacon?

Let me first preface this review with this...When you say "Bacon", I say "Where"? When you say "Maple Glazed Bacon Apple Donut", I say "I'm There"! But when you say "Coffee", I say, "It better be good...".

You can probably tell that I'm a huge bacon fan (no...really?), so when I first bit into the magnificant Maple Glazed Bacon Apple Donut, I was FLOORED. No joke. FLOORED. The sweet and savory combination was perfect! But in the end...I did get the "Oy...that was too much donut for me" feeling. But totally worth it!

I also tried the Spiced Chocolate: A little on the dense side, but a great little mixture of cinnamon, sugar, chipotle and chocolate. Great with coffee, I'm sure...

The Monte Cristo is also a must, if they have it. Gruyere, Ham and Jelly? Yes. How does it taste? Exactly as it sounds. But somehow, Dynamo has managed to make it a great combination.

So. The downside? The coffee. Four Barrel was not as it was supposed to be (or how it was explained to me). It was kind of bland...sad. I'm hoping it was an off day for the french pressed coffee. Please? Nope...totally an off coffee, if you ask me. I went back again to give Four Barrel another shot and it failed me again. Oh well...Philz is a few blocks away...there's still hope!

Anthony's Cookies; Life Is Good Again...

Taking from 7X7's must eat list, I was lucky enough to have someone bring over a box of assorted cookies for me...um...us. Anthony's Cookies, where have you been all my life?
Next to cupcakes, homemade cookies are my favorite. Especially straight out of the oven! So, I was super excited to see the cookie box in the black plastic bag...I could smell the goodness as I untied the bag and life is good again!
Although there were so many different varieties, all I really wanted was the cookies and cream cookie. I spotted the cookie with dark speckles and I knew...it was the one I have been waiting for. There I was, revving up for a rebirth of an old obsession. Mmm...it was a warm combination of a chewy (without being too chewy) chocolate chip cookie and an Oreo. Wow. Who would've thunk...the marriage of a cookie and and cookie made for my indulgence. Wash it down with a few big gulps of milk and I feel like a kid again. Definitely a favorite!

Blue Bottle Coffee; Wonderfully Dangerous...

I love Blue Bottle. I loved Blue Bottle before it became a ginormous hit in the City. Blue Bottle is bold. Blue Bottle is rich. Blue Bottle is coffee at its best.
I will say that I can do without the attitude that several locations have, but for coffee like that, I'll let it slide.
My all time favorite is a simple Latte. I remember the exact day, years ago. I ventured into Velo Rouge and ordered a Latte. I thought it was weird that it only came in one size, but there was a pretty foamy leaf designed on top and the weirdness left me. Instead, a strong, rich and bold flavor was introduced to me: I don't know if I can go back to regular coffee again. Starbucks, who? Something wonderfully dangerous happened...I became a coffee snob. Ahhh...It was love at first sip!
You simply can't mistake the distinct taste of quality Organic Coffee at the measly price of $3.50 per cup. It's only "measly" if you love designer coffee :)
Today, I tried the recommended Gibralter according to 7X7 as the 27th must eat or drink before you die at the Ferry Building. Yes, it's worth having before you die...The two shots of the Hayes Valley Blend and milk gently poured over with a sweet heart-shaped design served in a Gibralter glass makes it a must to enjoy on Blue Bottle premises. To Go? No. It wouldn't be a Gibralter! Very good, a bit on the bitter side, but I loved it, nonetheless!
I had a vision of how awesome it would be to have a Gibralter served in bed, first thing in the morning...It would make definitely make my morning routine a lot more enjoyable!

Roadside BBQ; A BBQ Love Story...

I've been here several times, but I guess I never ordered the right thing. As an avid follower of 7X7's must eat, this time, I ordered the Pulled-Pork Sandwich, AKA: The Memphis Pulled Pork. Little did I know, a BBQ love story was brewing.
There's something about pulled pork and coleslaw that made my mouth water to no end. It's like wanting to kiss someone for the very first time. You hesitate, you don't know what to expect, but you know it's going to be GOOD. The sandwich was so juicy, so tender, just right. The perfect first kiss.
As in love, there are always obstacles to overcome...Enter: The Bread. Damn! I wish this bread didn't get in the way! I totally could've done without...the bread was almost like a third wheel...maybe in this case, a fourth wheel. There's only so much room in my tummy for the tender pulled pork love and coleslaw. So then, my Asian-ness started thinking...Hmm...this would be good with some rice! But without the bread, it wouldn't be a sandwich. Hmm..to change or not to change? Change.
In the end, the sandwich did not defeat me. Yes. The Memphis Pulled Pork didn't know what hit him. I'm even embarrassed to mention that I finished the side of fries...the BBQ sauce trio introduced a spicy sweetness that was unbelievable! Take it for all it's got! Whew! There it went. The empty plate indicated that it was time to toss in the paper towel!
Ahh love...You See, You Taste, You Conquer.

The Plant Cafe Organic; A Semi-Sultry Delight...

I came here for a friend's birthday and I must say, what a pleasant surprise! I'm not a fanatic of vegetarian food, but The Plant Cafe definitely takes it easy on the meat lovers. Great choice, Gus!
Walking in, the first thing I noticed was how clean it was! The modern decor, live plant art and pristine bar were dirt free and clean as a whistle!
The pleasant service was also quite refreshing! Minus the bar service...a bit on the slow side, with a handful of patrons. BUT...their saving grace? They kept the drinks a-flowin' for the Birthday Boy...
So, onto the appetizers. I found it clever that they offered carrots, celery sticks, lettuce and radish with a pesto dip in place of the traditional starter, bread...It gave me the impression that we were in for quite a healthy meal!
-Grilled Flatbread: a wonderful starter accompanied with garlic hummus, cumin carrots, beets and yogurt as dips. Yum! Such a healthy combo!
-Duck Confit Pizza: the duck was a bit on the salty side, exactly how I like it...the bitter greens were a surprising twist. I'm not sure it was a good surprise or a not so good one...
-Shitake Spring Rolls: Light, Fresh, YUM. I love it when the rice wrapper is thin, but strong enough to hold the ingredients in.
Now, for the much talked about Plant Burger. I think everyone had some form of the Plant Burger...I found it ironic how the Plant Burger patty looks like red raw meat. I ordered the Wasabi Burger, against the waiter's advice of ordering the mushroom and cheese Plant Burger. The wasabi raspberry aioli sounded intriguing. Result: Intriguing, indeed! The aioli was sweet, with a hint of wasabi. Very different...but I could've done without the sauerkraut...Waiter--you were right...!
Personally, the Plant Burger patty alone was perfectly grilled, wonderful and fresh flavors and best of all--healthy.
The Spicy Green Curry was the most amazing dish of the evening. It was so rich in aroma and spices...mmm...I'm definitely getting that next time! Great choice, Uncle Mark!
Now on to my favorite part of dinner...Dessert!!!! One always makes room for Dessert!
Everything is wonderful and again, fresh!
My FAVORITE was the Lavender Coconut Rice Pudding. A-Ma-Zing! It made me an official fan of rice pudding! I'm always weary of Coconut...not a huge fan. But the lavender balanced it quite well! The citrusy fruit combination also added a yin/yang of sweet and sour flavors making this dish a semi-sultry tasting delight good enough to bring home to savor, if you know what I mean ;)!
Looking at the menu, the chocolate cake looked promising, only because of the Blue Bottle Coffee Ice Cream that accompanied it. I'm a sucker for anything Blue Bottle. But Coffee Ice Cream? No. Maybe it was French Vanilla? Whatever it was, I was not loving it too much. Ahh...what the Blue Bottle name will do to a dessert.
All in all, a great place to have a small intimate gathering or romantic vegetarian meal.

Asia SF; The Orange Lamb Takes the Runway...

I threw my very good friend, Rachel, a bachelorette party with the help of the Ladies of Asia SF and they did not disappoint! Food, Entertainment and BJ's...what more could a girl ask for?

First off, hats (or should I say "Stilettos") off to the gorgeous ladies who definitely made me feel physically incompetent as a natural woman. Mile-long legs, perfect buns, tight abs, sexy attire, beautiful make-up and to top it all off, FIERCE runway walks! HOT HOT HOT!!!!! What's also nice about these ladies is that they are sweethearts. I won't mention the show for those who have not experienced it yet...I don't want to spoil it for you!

I definitely recommend having a Birthday or Bachelorette party here. Everyone is so pleasant and easy to work with, it takes the burden out of planning and stressing over having a successful event!

We opted for the Gold Menu and was also able to take advantage of the Dine About Town price! But don't let that price fool ya...Once the drinks are flowin', it will cost a pretty penny! (Totally worth it!) Basically, everything is served family style based on the set menu of your choice (Gold, Platinum or Diamond). The Gold menu is plenty for a group of girls.

So much food, but I'll wind down to my favorites:

Porcupines: These crispy fried yummy pieces of heaven were delectable! Perfectly crisp with clear noodles on the outside and wonderful aromas of shrimp, scallops and water chestnuts on the inside. Dip these delectable cheese-stick shaped wonders into a special sauce and let it marinate in your mouth...

Orange Lamb: Wow...Wow...Wow...I usually don't like lamb that much, but the orange glaze and white rice balanced the dish perfectly. Others speak highly of the "Baby Got Back" Ribs, but I beg to differ...You can get Baby Back Ribs elsewhere...The Orange Lamb definitely takes the runway...

Finally, for dessert, we had little mini Ube, Macapuno and Coconut ice cream cones. What is it that makes mini desserts so much better than their regular-sized counterparts? Ahh, simple pleasures, less guilt!