Café Infusion [CLOSED] - A Little Bit of This, A Little Bit of That

Restaurant: Cafe Infusion
Address: 829 Mission Street Between 4th and 5th, SF, CA 94013
Cuisine: Asian/American Fusion
Date Visited: April 19, 2007

This place is right across the street from my school by the 5th Street parking garage. I never really wanted to cross the street to get a bite to eat, but on this day, it was an exception. I really needed to find a place that was filling and cheap. I’m a broke and struggling college student, so getting more bangs for my buck is always a good thing.

So I went across the street and saw a place with menu items posted on the windows. The pictures were really quite impressive in their presentation: colorful backgrounds and high-quality images that made me salivate right there on the sidewalk.

I walked in to find a board with the lunch specials. I decided to get the chicken teriyaki. I went to the cashier and was amused by his character. He looked like an Indy rocker guy who would chill up at the Haight or at Berkeley. I told him I wanted the lunch special and he asked, “Which one?”

Oh…there’s more than one? Awesome. I asked him about the other ones, and he then proceeded to tell me about the prawns with eggs over rice (yummy) and the pizza with salad. I was going to get the chicken teriyaki, but the prawns sounded so GOOD. I got that instead. Now I wonder why it wasn’t on the menu. Hmmm…

The prawns and eggs ran me $6.50 and then another dollar or two for my bottled water. You get to choose your own seating at this place and they bring the food to you. I looked around and it’s really relaxing like a poetry bar. They do hold small performances there from time to time. There are small lit candles at each table which makes it kind of sexy. There is free WiFi connection, so bringing your laptop here is a smart thing. However, if you do not have a laptop, there are desktops readily available for your internet needs. There are couches in the corners, so this would be a great place to bring a friend or two to enjoy a talk over a cup of coffee or boba drink.

My waiter brought over my food. I don’t even want to call him a waiter because it’s so casual here. Anyway, he brought over my food and it was divine. A fluffy cloud of eggs scrambled with huge prawns and green onions, drizzled with oyster sauce, garnished with cilantro, all on top of a bed of white rice.



I know, I know, you can probably get this dish at an ordinary Chinese joint for 5 bucks, but I was desperate and hungry. However, I am glad I went here because they have other specialties like petite gateaux (small cakes), a coffee bar, tapioca drinks, salads and sandwiches. A little bit of everything.

The only con I have about this place is that the chairs scratch up against the concrete or stone floor and their harsh echoes ricochet off the walls of the place. So it gets pretty loud and a little annoying. But…Would I come here again? Yes. It’s so chill and so relaxing. Free WiFi is a bonus and the food ain’t that bad either.

Barney's - No, NOT the Dinosaur, But Still Carnivorous!

Restaurant: Barney's
Address: 4138 24th Street, between Castro and Diamond, Noe Valley, SF
Cuisine: Gourmet Hamburgers
Date Visited: April 27, 2007
Dining Partner: K

In the middle of Noe Valley, there is a charming place that offers delicious gourmet hamburgers called Barney’s. K left their business card at my place one day and I thought it would be fun to check it out since he told me that it’s one of his father’s favorite local eats. So he waited for my 48 bus to come at the bus stop on 24th and Castro, and it just took a short walk up half a block to get to Barney’s.

It was such a beautiful day that it would have been foolish not to sit outside on their patio. There is plenty of seating outside the dining room, with flowers growing around you. It’s like eating in your own little garden. I adored it. The menu is impressive with choices such as a Greek burgers in pitas and Caribbean burgers flavored with Jerk seasoning. I wanted something not too adventurous because I wanted to enjoy it.

I was in limbo between a burger (forget the name, I believe it’s the Baja, but don’t take my word for it) that had avocado, melted Jack cheese, bacon and salsa and the Guacamole burger which just had guacamole, melted Jack cheese and sour cream (since I L-O-V-E sour cream). I was not too crazy about the salsa on the Baja, so I decided to mesh them and get the Guacamole with bacon.



I was soooo happy. I got mine done medium, which is what I will order from now on because it’s cooked, but still juicy. And when they add bacon, it’s not your usual 2 skinny strips, no way, here they had about 8! I kid you not.



K ordered the North Beach burger which had melted Chedder cheese, sautéed mushrooms, and artichoke hearts. That one was outstanding as well.



And you CANNOT have a burger without the fries, so we ordered the full order of the Spicy Curly Fries. The Ranch dressing comes with it! Lovely!



K and I split our sandwiches so we could taste each other’s orders, and that’s a smart thing to do especially if you’re with another person. Just to tell you right now, I could only finish half of my burger, I could only take one bite out of the half K gave me from his burger. The fries were great and I couldn’t stop eating them. It’s like once you start, you cannot stop.

Overall, I would rate this place an 8. I have yet to make my second visit there, so I don’t want to rate it too high right now. But I am pleased with the food, the service and the feel of the place. So if you do make plans to visit Barney’s, sit out on the patio if it’s a nice day, order the curly fries, explore the many burger options and just enjoy your meal. I would love to go back there for another date with my Sweetie. =)

Super Star - Grease is the Word

Restaurant: Super Star
Address: 4919 Mission Street, SF, across from Safeway
Cuisine: Silog (Filipino breakfasts)
Date Visited: April 26, 2007
Dining Partners: Momma and Sis

So Momma, the sis (Cherry) and I were driving around, figuring out a place to have supper. Ma said somewhere cheap. Cherry said she wanted rice. I said that the only place I could think of was Super Star.

For y'all who live along Mission by Geneva, you KNOW what I am talking about. This place was a favorite during my college years. WHY? Because it's filling and CHEAP.

If you are not familiar with the "silog" Filipino breakfast, read the following:

SI - Stands for SINANGAG, the garlic fried rice

LOG - Stands for ITLOG, the fried egg

Here in America, an American breakfast comes with eggs, bacon and toast. In the Philippines, it's meat, eggs and rice. When you walk in, you see a giant board with the silog menu it. It says that tomatoes are on the plate, but that's wrong, they no longer serve tomatoes. Now they serve pineapple with the silog. Trust me, they haven't changed their menu for 10 years at least!!



This was mine. It's Hong Kong-style pork chop. There is a regular pork chop meal, but it is not coated in batter like the Hong Kong-style. Price: $3.49. No joke!



This is Momma's. She ordered the longanisa. Longanisa is a sweet/spicey sausage that is boiled and then fried. She ate it MAD fast. $2.99.



This was Cherry's. She prefers tocino. Tocino is sweet-marinated pieces of pork that is fried. Price: $2.99.

Seriously, I am not kidding about the prices! You get so much food for such a little amount of money! Crazy? Yes. The restaurant stays in business because of loyal clientele. The food is good (and greasy). It's filling and CHEAP! It is a favorite of students and kids, and everyone else because it simply reminds us of home and eating in the Philippines.

GOD, this whole meal, all three plates and 2 sodas just ran us $9.49. You seriously cannot beat that with a stick, a Louisville slugger and whatever else is out there for assault!!! Poured me my Coke, poured some vinegar and soy in a little saucer and I was HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY!!

I love this place!!! Gosh, I'm craving it so bad!! AHHHHHHH! =) Go there and you will be rewarded!

Oh yeah, this is how my plate looked at the end of the meal:



I was one SATISFIED customer.

Beard Papa - Orgasmic Cream-Filled Brown Things

Restaurant: Beard Papa Fresh 'N Natural Cream Puffs
Store Address: 99 Yerba Buena Lane @ Mission, San Francisco
Mall Address: 845 Market Street, Westfield Center, Food Emporium
Cuisine: Sweets
Date Visited: April 26, 2007

When Westfield Center opened, I was astonished and in complete awe of their superlative food court setting. I mean, it’s beautiful. There is a Beard Papa stand near Bristol Farms. I decided one day to sample one of their cream puffs and I have been hooked ever since. One week my Mom was furious with me because it seemed like every time we met up Downtown, I was munching on a Beard Pap cream puff. Maybe she was worried I would develop diabetes.

Anyway, I ignored her. My co-worker Jnet then told me that there was an actual store on Yerba Buena Lane right next to St. Patrick’s church, which just happens to be a block down the street from my school. I swear, it’s destined for us to meet!

I realized that they have more than the vanilla cream puff that I tried at Westfield. They have vanilla bean and chocolate cream puffs readily available. Also they have éclairs (which are just cream puffs dipped in chocolate), cheesecake sticks, fondant au chocolat (a mini lava cake), and various cream puff flavors that rotate weekly (a schedule can be found on the Beard Papa website): caramel, green tea, strawberry, pumpkin, and milk tea. Milk tea can only be found in San Francisco at their store on Yerba Buena.

So far, I have tried:



Vanilla bean – Classic and clean flavor. There
are actual vanilla beans in the custard. $1.75



Chocolate – Tastes like a cross between chocolate
pudding and chocolate ice cream. $1.95



Green tea – Ate Di’s favorite. Now I know why.
Flavor is subtle, but very delicious. $1.95

I don't have a pic for the next one, but there will be one soon. Strawberry – The flavor is fresh. Not artificial or candy-tasting, but it’s a bit pricey. $2.10

So why are these little devils so good? Let’s talk crust. It’s flaky and delicate. They use two different crusts. One is more of a pie crust and the other on the inside is softer. It contrasts well with the creamy filling. The filling is put in the shell to-order. Meaning, no pre-filled cream puffs like most dessert shops do. I cannot think of another place that has better cream puffs. These are complete heaven.

I haven't tried any other dessert there like the cheesecake sticks, so I will be making another trip there very soon!

Photos from: www.beardpapasf.com

Organic Coffee Co. - Coffee and Community

Restaurant: Organic Coffee Co.
Address: Mission Street @ 4th, Across from Mel's Diner, SF
Cuisine: Coffee, sandwiches, pastries
Date Visited: April 26, 2007

I go to school in SoMa every weekday in the morning. I usually get here at around 6 or 7 a.m. to give myself time to relax, reflect and most importantly, get a bite to eat. After all, breakfast is the most important meal of the day. I really should follow that saying because I usually skip on it. I know. Sue me.

Every morning, I pass by a coffee shop that is run and supplied by the culinary students from City College of San Francisco. I never really went in there because I thought, “Organic. Must be expensive.” You do have to pay for quality after all. But this place is 4 doors down from my school. I neglected to pay it any attention



But one day, I didn’t really want to venture too far from school because it was freezing outside. I went in to find a casual coffee bar with a menu of the usual pastries, juices, quiches, coffee cocktails on the board behind the register. However, they did have unique array of empanadas and fruit trays in the display case.

On Wednesday, April 25, (yesterday) I ordered a bagel sandwich with lox (smoked salmon), cream cheese, red onion, tomato and capers. I must say that for $4.50 a sammie, I was incredibly satisfied because some other places would charge a lot more for it. I LOVE smoked salmon. Reminds me of the smoked salmon and bagel sammies I would make at the Club Lounge at the Ritz Carlton. I find smoked salmon to be a luxurious food. I don’t usually go for cooked salmon when I go out to eat. I like it either smoked or raw as in Alaskan or Philadelphia rolls. Why? I haven’t a clue.

The White Mocha I ordered had the right amount of bitterness from the coffee and seemed to have a lot more white chocolate than Starbucks. LOVED IT. I haven’t had any coffee products in a while. The last time was probably in the Philippines when I was there in early March. But that’s it. On my way home, I realized that I forgot to take a picture of my breakfast. Darn it!

Which brings us to today. I got to the City and left the car at around 6:45. Got to the shop to have another delicious lox sandwich, but was immediately disappointment to find that they did not receive their shipment of bagels yet. OMG. Was I sad!! I ended up ordering a ham, egg and cheese sandwich on white toasted bread. Since I didn’t have my first choice available, the barista took 40 cents off my order. Which brought it down from $4.00 to $3.60. How nice!!

I was reading my Examiner and tasted it. It was smeared with a little mayo and they used white American cheese. The egg looked pre-made and was a bit too eggy. Is that possible? It just didn’t look fresh. Like they had it pre-made and all they had to do was heat it up. It’s the type of omelet that looks like a sponge and even feels like a sponge. You know, like the eggs in McDonald’s sandwiches. That might sound bad, but really isn’t that bad. It did make it a filling sandwich.



Half of it is still in my backpack. Tomorrow they better have my bagel and lox!! This is a nice place to go to relax or study. They have a Community Aid Program that has provided their coffee workers' children with health care and education since 1994. So that’s a good thing.

I mean, when you come here, you are:
1) supporting children and their families from other countries
2) supporting San Francisco students by sampling their food
3) tasting quality products

It's a win-win situation here.

I have been attending this particular school for about a month and a half, and I always ignore this place. I shall not any longer!!!

Saigon Sandwiches – Bahn Who? Bahn Mi!

Restaurant: Saigon Sandwiches
Address: 560 Larkin at Eddy, Tenderloin, San Francisco
Cuisine: Vietnamese sandwiches and snacks
Date Visited: April 5, 2007
Date Last Tasted: April 24, 2007 (K surprised me with them at school)

I was brought to this place by three different people. The first time was with a good friend of mine from high school. He was Vietnamese himself, so that was a good thing.

Saigon Sandwich is in the middle of the TL. Tenderloin for those who are not in the know. On Larkin at Eddy, a couple of blocks from the Civic Center, is a tiny little sandwich shop. There is room for only 5 or so people in there. Tight squeeze, but well worth it.

At around lunchtime, there is usually a line out the door. Every patron in line is there for only one thing: Bahn Mi. It is a Vietnamese sandwich usually filled with a type of meat:
roasted pork
steamed pork
barbequed chicken
meatball
pate

and all of any combination of the following veggies:
pickled carrots
onions
cilantro
jalapenos

The bread is a crusty French roll which absorbs all the filling juices. I absolutely love the last bite because all that liquid gold is saturated in the soft bread.



I love this particular sandwich shop for a certain reason. It’s cheap at about $2.50 for a sandwich and it’s absolutely delicious! I usually buy a couple of them, one for munching immediately and the other for a snack later on in the day. At that price, you cannot beat that with a stick!!

One day, I was watching the women behind the counter making these delectable sammies and saw that one person was in the back toasting the bread, smearing mayonnaise and some type of brown gelatinous goop on the bread (might be the meat drippings from cooking, but whatever it is, it’s good!), and finally piling the hot meat on it. The lady in the front then takes the meated-bread and adds the fresh condiments.

I always go for roast pork with everything on it except the jalapenos. I want to TASTE the food, not burn my tongue.

The shop also has the usual suspects available: fresh shrimp rolls, sticky rice desserts, prepackaged lunch plates.

There is a little wait, but it’s so worth it. The bread is crusty on the outside, the meat is moist, and the veggies are crisp and refreshing. Complete orgasmic, I tell ya!! A sandwich, bottle of water and people-watching at Union square, and that’s an afternoon!!

More About This Blog

The Writer:

Jo Boston, a young woman in her late 20's. Her career has nothing to do with food; however, writing and all things pertaining to food have always been a fundamental part of her life and paring them only made sense.

The Setting:

San Francisco Bay Area mainly, but once in a while a place is reported on from recent travels (i.e. Las Vegas, Hawaii, etc.)

The Plot:

Jo’s opinions (the good, the bad, and the ugly), and photos of what San Francisco eateries have to offer.

More About The Writer - In Her Words

I can honestly say that my interest in food started when I was very young. I watched PBS on Saturday morning like no body’s business. Instead of watching cartoons like all the other kids, I watched Jacques Pepin, Julia Child, Yan Can Cook, and the Frugal Gourmet. Since my mother worked two jobs, it was up to me to make meals for myself and younger sister. I was not satisfied with canned goods and frozen dinners, so I watched and even assisted my Inang (grandma) in making dinner. Inang and my momma are my biggest influences when it comes to food. I did consider going to culinary school after taking Foods classes in high school, but I realized that I was an eater and not a cook. Throughout the years, I relished in reading various cooking magazines and admired the photographs of food. I also loved to write, from poetry to diary entries, so writing about food and capturing my food in photographs was a hobby I started even before I knew I started it. I noticed I wrote about my meals in my personal daily blog, but it never caught on until now.

That leads us to this blog. I am not a professional anything. I did not go to culinary school and I did not go to journalism school. My entries will sound amateurish to the Patricia Untermans and Michael Bauers of the world, but that is what I am. I am not about to write like I know everything about food because I don’t. This blog is not only a report of how I feel about a certain place or meal, but it is a record of all the things I learned through the days, weeks, and months. This blog probably will not culminate into anything, but that is the beauty of a blog. Blogs do not have a storyline. Blogs do not have a beginning, middle, and end. It is an ongoing process, and the writer can look back and see progression in their writing, tastes, and opinions.

Though while I am not a renowned writer, chef, or photographer, I welcome you to read my entries. Comment on them if you like, good or bad. I’m just an girl with a palate that just wants to experience all the flavors out there, and I’m excited to do so. Enjoy and cheers!

About Jo Boston

Welcome to Jo Boston is a Foodie formerly known as Taking Over the World One Bite at a Time or TOtW1B@aT! I suppose the reason why you are on this page is to find out a little bit more about me. Well, here you go…

Hi, I’m Joanne, but many call me Jo. I was born right here in San Francisco, California and have never lived more than 5 miles away from it. I am currently working in the medical field in the City, so most of my time is spent here in SF. My place of residence is in “Little Manila” aka Daly City, California…I mean, where else would I live? Look at me! =P

Raised by my single mother and grandparents, I was taught two very valuable lessons:
1) learn as much as you can from your elders
2) appreciate everything you have around you

How does this have anything to do with my love for food? Simple. I was brought up to be modest and simple. The meals we had were homemade, hardly anything was bought from the store or from the freezer section. The meals cooked were from their homeland - the Philippines. Almost all of my lunches to school consisted of rice and “ulam.” Lunchables? Never that. I was never spoiled monetarily, so no, I didn’t have a Barbie dream house, rather, I was spoiled by their wisdom and knowledge. “Fun” for me was watching my Inang cook which led me to watch Saturday morning cooking shows on PBS instead of cartoons. Jacques, Julia, Capriel? They were my homies. I guess you can say my love for food began when I was in my single digits, standing behind my Inang as she cooked “tinola” or “pinakbet.”

My mother who also started her career in the medical field ending up leaving her job and continued in the hospitality industry. She now works in two of the top hotels in Downtown San Francisco working with food. I guess you can say I got my love for fine dining from her. She uttered foie gras and caviar to me first. She brought me to restaurants where it wasn’t family style and there were courses. San Francisco is the best place in the world to be introduced to this type of dining.

The two most important women in my life taught me two lessons in different ways. Inang was old school with her traditional dishes from home in the Philippines and Mom taught me to love the dishes I would find in my home here in the United States.

When I first started this blog, all I wanted to do was hit up the expensive restaurants and check them off my list. Now that I am 3 years into this blogging business, my priorities have changed. I now want to meet new people and share stories and dishes.

I am not a professional ANYTHING. I never went to school for journalism or for culinary arts - unless you count Home Ec in high school. Everything I do is self-taught or like I said before, instilled in me by my family.

Jo is…

a native San Franciscan who simply wants to explore the City and the world. With her partner “Bub,” they try new flavors and meet new faces everywhere they go. I try not to take things so seriously and I like to put a little humor in everything I do. Life is too short. Like the title implies, I am taking over (well, not really) the world one bite at a time. Traveling is important to me and I want to see as much of this world as I possibly can. I would love to visit all of the continents (Antarctica, pending), but if money or time wasn't an issue, I'd race right back to the Philippines where my Inang lives and Tatay stays.

Eventually I would love to start a career associated with food, whether it be writing or baking. I love baking and I can make a delicious red velvet cupcake. For now, I will stick with my day job and continue writing on this blog. I just got married and have no kids, so I have a little wiggle room as far as doing things as I please. As we all know, life can throw some unexpected punches which might change my priorities again. So, we shall see…


Jo is a foodie.
Jo is a writer.

I think that pretty much sums it up.

If you want to get to know me even MORE (stalker), there is always Twitter - follow me: @joanneisafoodie.

Thank you for peering into my little world and hope you enjoy what I have here on this little site of mine.

xoxo,
Jo

PS: You want MORE? Jeez...joke lang...here is what I wrote about myself for Project Food Blog back in September. It will touch upon what I said above, so if you REALLY want more: PROCEED:

******************************************************************
My blog is different from the ones that are mainly focused on recipes and making the food look like it came out of a magazine. Though I am NOT a pro, I do know HOW to cook. My blog is dedicated to the dining scene - whether it be at home, at a restaurant, on the sidewalk, or halfway across the country. If something is served to me, it is worth to be blogged about. The pictures are not perfect. The experience might not be either, but the surprises, emotions, and reality of each dining excursion is what ignites my passion. I don’t need anything to be perfect. Where's the fun in having every single dinner perfect? If that does happen, things get boring.


That’s why I like to try different restaurants and dishes. Eating at a new place opens my mind to learning new things.


For the first challenge, Foodbuzz asked us contestants to create a blog that “defines you as a food blogger and makes it clear why you think you have what it takes to be the next food blog star…”

What defines me?

There are two parts to be a food blogger: Food - the required love for it. Without this passion, you’re doomed. Blogging - the ability to document through words and pictures. I have a quirky way to writing. I actually write how I talk. That's how I like it.

Let’s start with the basics and get in touch with my roots.


My home defines me. I was born and raised in San Francisco, the mecca of foodielisciousness. Sustainable, local produce from farms close by. Artisan food products from breads, cheese, and charcuterie. Some of the best restaurants in the world all here right in my own backyard. In addition to the quality food we have, SF also has a wide range of food from around the world. San Francisco is my playground. I enjoy spending time with those in the SF food industry to learn what inspires them. The more I understand them, the more I enjoy and appreciate my food.


My culture defines me. Aside being a native of the Bay Area, I am a Filipina. My grandmother (aka my Inang) let me watch her sauté onions, garlic, and ginger for the base of her aromatic soups and stews. Tinola, lauya, arroz caldo, pancit. These are the foods of my home country. Fish sauce, soy sauce, mango, bagoong, calamansi, coconut. These are the flavors of my ancestors.


My family defines me. As well as instilling knowledge in me, they have brought me up to be an individual who appreciated food and knew how to make it too. My mother was a single mom, and it was at times up to me to cook for my family. My grandma and mom are the two women who had the most influence in my life. Without them, there would be no food blogger in me.

The people around me define me. I have friends of all walks of life. We all mEAT up, chat, laugh, and of course, get our grub on! It feels great to know there are others who share the same passion for food as I do. Each food adventure always leads to an experience to remember:

One day, I can be out with friends at a cool restaurant chatting it up with the kitchen master trying to get the secret recipe out of him. The next, I can be at home with my cousins making pancakes in our Hello Kitty pajamas.


The next day, I can be at a fun event sharing bites with other food lovers in the industry. Would you count Andrew Zimmern’s head sweat as “bizarre foods?”


All I know is that I love to eat, especially with others. I don’t care if it’s from a Michelin star restaurant or from the back of a pickup or if it is being cooked by one of my street food friends. If it’s good, bring it. Life is too short to take food TOO seriously. You have to have fun with it, too!


What defines me as a food blogger? I invite you to explore my website and decide for yourself. I can only say so much, but I feel that a food blogger is also defined by their readers. If you like what I wrote, the question is easy to answer. If you don’t like what I wrote, that’s okay too! Being able to have an opinion and a voice and using it is awesome.


The world is my oyster…please pass the mignonette. Thank you for taking the time to peek into my little corner in this vast foodie universe and I hope you come back very soon!

v(^_^)v

Still want more?

I like to submit my writing to magazines and enter my blurbs in contests. I enjoy writing food-related poetry. I like to be in the kitchen, especially baking cookies. I like meeting people and helping people. I love covering food events and I occasionally relish in talking to godly figures...most of all, I like being ME.

Cheers (for real this time),
Jo