Category Archives: Staff Picks

Top 5 Austin Food Trucks

When it comes to the cuisine in Austin, Texas, many travel advertisements for this great metropolis proudly tout the abundance and high quality of Tex-Mex and Barbecue (BBQ). The recent hardships many are suffering due to our compromised economy have led chefs to create food trailers in order to keep their businesses afloat; thus, it is not uncommon to see many promos for BBQ and Tex-Mex food trucks in Austin.

While I have family and friends from out-of-town who “hyperfocus” on these genres of food during their stay here, I am of a different variety—I flock to this cosmopolitan to venture into more “exotic” fare. Yes, as a native Texan, I will always have a place in my heart for Tex-Mex and BBQ (they’re my soul foods), but there is also room for tastes from Spain, England, and Germany, to name a few. That being said, here is a list of food carts you must try while in Austin. And, yes, I would be criminally insane if I didn’t throw in a taco trailer or two…

LATASCA
415 Jessie Street
(512) 426-5841

Wow. Just, wow! I am a proud American of Spanish descent (three cheers for Spaniards!), and we need more eateries of our culture in the USA, especially ones serving lip-smackingly good food.  Enter Latasca, a dark, sexy, Spanish tapas truck inspired by eco-friendly Texas ingredients. Tapas can be ordered temperature hot or cold; I strongly prefer the former. For a whirlwind of tastes across the Spanish peninsula, combine albóndigas (organic grass-fed beef meatballs, olives, and red wine sauce) with champiñones al ajillo (vegan, garlic mushrooms) and patatas bravas (griddled potatoes with caramelized onions in a spiced tomato sauce). Everything is served with warm pan de horno real (oven-baked Spanish bread).  BYOB, and cash only.

IZZOZ TACOS
1503 S. 1st Street
(512) 916-4996

First of all, for all you non-Spanish speakers out there, this business is pronounced “E-zoes,” but don’t fret too much about the pronunciation; fret about whether or not you will have a big enough appetite to down the delicious offerings. Health-conscious advocates will enjoy the Del Mar Taco (blackened tilapia, slaw, pickled red onion, and chipotle aioli), but the best-tasting tacos are—of course—unhealthier: the Padre Taco (braised carnitas, avocado, pineapple, and tomatillo salsa) and the Slowrider Taco (braised machaca beef, caramelized onion, cotija cheese, and cilantro).  No trip to a taco cart would be complete without washing everything down with Topo Chico (Mexican mineral water) or Jarritos (Mexican soda).  BYOB.

BITS & DRUTHERS
1001 E. 6th Street
(361) 850-0645

God shouldn’t just bless the Queen, God should also bless the creator of fish & chips. Who would have thought that slathering haddock fillets in a beer batter, deep frying them to a crisp, and serving them with French fries would result in groans of culinary appreciation? The British, that’s who!  If you are blessed with a superhuman stomach as I am, then the Fish Supper is for you (said fish, said fries, tartar sauce, cole slaw, and a cornichon pickle).  Cheers! Cash only.

ONETACO
6th Street & Nueces
(512) 539-7561

No, you’re not alone. I’ve been there. Usually a trip to 6th Street means bar/club hopping until 3a followed by a haphazard excursion to a crowded 24-hour fast food joint somewhere else. I’m here to assure you that those days are over (well, at least those Saturday nights)! OneTaco is the satellite taco trailer that forms a symbiotic relationship with the bar Little Woodrow’s. Although they are two independent businesses, you can order from OneTaco, take your number to Little Woodrow’s, and the servers will bring your food to you.  The Al Pastor taco (spicy marinated pork with onions, pineapple, and cilantro within flour or corn tortillas) pairs perfectly with a side order of their guacamole and Austin’s own Citrus Green Sweet Leaf Tea.

TREY’S CUISINE
600 S. Lamar Boulevard
(512) 234-2103

Compared to the majority of the food trailers on this list, this truck is not flashy at all—by all means, no. Fortunately, it’s not the décor that brings people here; it’s the food—by all means, yes! World dishes are Trey’s specialty, with kabobs (skewers of meat and/or veggies), croquettes (small fried rolls with various fillings), and pierogi (unleavened dough dumplings). Don’t overlook the chef-recommended daily specials! On one visit, the lamb Salisbury Steak (with spinach, mushroom, spätzle, and grilled bread) proved exemplary.

Know of any other food trucks in Austin that Freddie should try?  Let us know in the comments sections or hit him up at freddie_obregon_iii@yahoo.com. Don’t forget to add us on Facebook and Twitter, too!

Top 5 Valentine’s Day Restaurants in SF

Leave a reply

Yes, yes, there’s no question that Valentine’s Day is a much maligned holiday, with adjectives like “consumerist” and “cheesy” thrown around left and right. I understand that, and if you’re of that mindset, this list is not for you. But, if you are one of the people who likes – or even, loves – this day, and likes the idea that there’s nothing wrong with celebrating love and the closest people in your life, please read on. These are my picks for restaurants to spend Valentine’s Day…

FIREFLY
Located on the quiet side of 24th Street in Noe Valley, Firefly has a rustic chic vibe, with a billowing, fabric roof, Mason jar candle holders, and reserved elegance. For Valentine’s Day, they’re going to be serving their regular a la carte menu, but with some special items from both their chef and pastry chef. Also, since Valentine’s Day falls on a Tuesday this year, my guess is they’ll be serving up their incredible fried chicken (only served on Tuesdays) – which magically manages to be light while being , you know, fried chicken.

FIFTH FLOOR
For those who want all the bells and whistles, Fifth Floor – aptly named for being on the fifth floor of Hotel Palomar – is offering some major decadence. Starting last week, the restaurant is serving a seven-course menu, which includes dishes like Foie Gras Torchon, Celery Root Agnolotti and Poached Maine Lobster. For the special day itself, Fifth Floor is bumping up their menu to a nine-course tasting menu, giving you and your honey plenty of time to spoil yourselves.

L’ARDOISE
If you’re looking for something more understated, try L’Ardoise (the French word for chalkboard). Sitting quaintly on Noe and Henry, this beautiful and intimate restaurant combines neighborhood charm with heightened ambiance, packaging these traits together with authentic French food. For Valentine’s Day, they are serving a special three-course menu, which includes such options as Tiger Prawn Raviole, Braised Venison Shoulder, Caramelized Tarte Tatin… I’m going to stop because it’s making my mouth water!

FRASCATI
The charm of Frascati begins at its location. Perched on the leafy corner of Hyde and Green, where cable cars rumble past, this restaurant feels like quintessential San Francisco. And since San Francisco is the most romantic city in the world (it is), this is a great beginning to a dining experience. Add to that, delicious Mediterranean-inspired dishes, an extensive wine list (hello, champagne!) and a menu that says, “Cell phones in use will be confiscated and made into soup,” and you are guaranteed a romantic dining experience.

BI-RITE MARKET
Okay, no, this is not a restaurant. But, for those who believe that nothing is more romantic than a home-cooked meal, Bi-Rite Market is a perfect place to buy the goods. With its high-quality meat, cheese, fish, ice cream and prepared foods (if you want to cheat), Bi-Rite Market will start you on your path to creating a special meal for the evening. Don’t forget to buy a pretty bouquet of flowers on your way out.

*

While the above are my picks for romantic meals, here are a couple of runner-ups for other kinds of Valentine’s Days…

VELVET CANTINA
This is my pick if you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day with girlfriends – or, as Leslie Knope calls it, “Gal-entine’s Day.” With pitchers of delicious margaritas, a fun atmosphere, and tasty Mexican food, you’re guaranteed an excellent night out with your friends, who, of course, are your other loved ones. (Men, you are also free to take this suggestion!)

PIZZERIA DELFINA
My choice if you have children in tow. Pizzeria Delfina delivers the best of all worlds: delicious pizza, a good selection of wine, and a casual, yet graceful, atmosphere. And since it has two locations (one in the Mission and one in Pacific Heights), you have two shots at celebrating your family with style and fresh mozzarella. (A bit cheesy? Sorry. I can’t stop…)

15 ROMOLO
No, you’re right. This is mainly a bar. But, it’s a very good bar, which is why it’s my pick for the place to go if you’ve recently gone through a break-up. You won’t care about cute couples when you’re sipping on 15 Romolo’s Pimm’s Cups. Also, they do have a small but excellent bar menu in case you need to eat something.

I hope that one of the above restaurants suits your Valentine’s Day needs. And if they are already booked up (as these wonderful restaurants are sure to be in demand), they’ll serve wonderfully any other day of the week!

What do you think of Alexa’s recommendations? Let us know in the comments sections or via our Facebook and Twitter accounts!

Photos courtesy of Firefly and L’Ardoise.

cityseekr Loves Tasty Treats

Leave a reply

WHAT: Burrata bruschetta, hazelnut and honey / $7

WHERE: Delarosa Restaurant, 2175 Chestnut Street, San Francisco, CA

I feel kind of bad sharing the information about this dish with you, because at $7 it is pricey for an appetizer, and tasting it would require a trip to the well-manicured neighborhood of the Marina, which has an annoyingly wealthy suburban air about it. The interior of Delarosa, with its canteen-like atmosphere, is not among the most appealing in town, but the food is top notch, and the bruschetta pictured above is the most exciting item on the menu. One serving consists of two pieces of toast with big squishy lumps of burrata (mozzarella + cream). The taste contrasts intriguingly with the sweetness of the honey and hazelnuts. Even though Delarosa is not exactly a romantic place, the burrata bruschetta will make for a terrific appetizer for a date.

Top Five Bay Area Hikes

Leave a reply

The San Francisco Bay Area has been blessed with such a wealth of great hiking – it would be a shame to let the winter chill deter folks from getting out and enjoying the trails. The following day hikes are a selection that covers some of the most beautiful landscapes of the Bay Area, as well as the breathtaking, the inspiring and the unexpected. Bundle up and lace on your boots; they were made for walking, after all. A sad note – due to lack of funding, many of these parks have cut back on their services / opening hours – be sure to check their websites before you decide to visit.

 

1.  Mount Diablo – Mitchell Canyon / Eagle Peak Loop  (7.8 mi. / 12.5 km)

Level: Moderate to strenuous

Just before the fog cleared. Photo by Korrena Bailie.

With a 2000-foot elevation gain, a mostly exposed trail and a variety of terrain, this Mount Diablo hike is wonderful to do in the cooler seasons. Spring time is particularly impressive, as the mountain is a-bloom with millions of gorgeous wildflowers. Start from the Mitchell Canyon Staging Area on the north side of the mountain – this hike offers stunning vistas of the Bay, including a peek-a-boo view of the Golden Gate Bridge, red rocky outcrops towards the summit, beautifully situated picnic tables and a host of birds, butterflies and flora, including manzanita and yerba santa. Being typically Bay Area, the views can be obscured by fog but this generally clears up by early afternoon. When I hiked there in November, I stumbled upon a cackling crowd of wild turkeys who’d obviously survived the Thanksgiving rush.


2.  Point Reyes National Seashore – Tomales Point Trail (11.4 mi. / 18.3 km) 

Level: Easy to moderate

Photo by Don DeBold. CC BY 2.0

Don’t be put off by the length of this hike – very little elevation is gained or lost and it’s one of the most unique hiking experiences in the Bay Area. On the peninsula at Tomales Point is a herd of over 400 tule elk, a breed that was native to California. In 1978, the elk were released from a breeding program into the Tomales Point enclosure and they have thrived ever since. On this meandering hike, which gives outstanding views of the ocean, you can get up close and personal with the elk, who are largely unbothered by the presence of curious hikers. On the weekend, a park docent is stationed above a popular elk gathering point, armed with binoculars and a keenness to answer any questions you might have. This hike can get very foggy, which means that an elk may be much closer than you think (I jumped a mile when a male bugled only a couple of meters away from me) and the winds can get oppressively strong, so be sure to bring appropriate clothing. Continue reading →

Europe’s Best Christmas Markets

Leave a reply

Christmas markets have a long history in many of Europe’s leading cities and are popular attractions for locals and tourists alike during the holiday season. Traditionally held during the four weeks of Advent, these markets often celebrate the holidays with a piping hot mug of mulled wine and a hefty scoop of Christmas magic.

Christmas at Liseburg, photo by Mikael Miettinen, CC by 2.0

Austria

Salzburger Christkindlmarkt – Salzburg

November 17 to December 26, 2011

This lovely annual Christmas market takes place in the heart of Salzburg in Residenzplatz and has been going on for nearly 500 years! Salzburg is home to more than just The Sound of Music and Mozartkugel, its charming medieval architecture, snowy hills and panoramas from the Hohensalzburg Castle. Visitors enjoy strolling the vendors, hearing live choir music and viewing a live Nativity. This is one of the few markets that is actually open on December 25, so if you are looking for something to do on Christmas Day, this is the place!

Belgium

Bruges Christmas Market – Bruges

November 25, 2011 to January 3, 2012

If you enjoy Christmas markets and ice skating, get your skates in gear for Bruges’ Christmas Market. Held in the beautiful historic center of the city in the Markt, this market offers traditional little chalets selling snacks, trinkets and, of course, delicious Belgian beers! Don’t forget to try the delicious specualoos, which are a Dutch-style of gingerbread.

France

Lille Christmas Market – Lille

November 19 to December 30, 2011

A quick 30 minutes from Brussels or 90 minutes from London can get you to Lille! Held in place Rihour, this market is easily located in walking distance of Lille’s main train station, making this an ideal outing if you find yourself in one of northern Europe’s loveliest cities.

Germany

Christkindlesmarkt – Nuremberg

November 25 to December 24, 2011

One of Germany’s most famous holiday fairs, the Nuremburg Christmas Market has often been used as a model for Christmas markets around the world. The market opens with an elaborate ceremony every year on the Friday before the first Sunday of Advent, and often features local school choirs and a visit from the Nuremburg Christmas Angel. This massive fair has just about every food, drink or craft you could possibly want, including gingerbread, pastries, mulled wine and a large variety of glassworks and porcelain. Other events include church services, city tours and musical programs.

Hungary

Budapest Christmas Fair – Budapest

November 18 to December 30, 2011

Considered one of the best Christmas fairs in Europe, the Budapest Christmas Fair features some of the most talented artisans and craftsmen in the country. Have a cup of mulled wine in a souvenir “Budapest” cup as you peruse the stalls. For many, however, the main attraction is the food. The traditional Hungarian dishes include sausage, grilled meats and kürtőskalács, a cone-shaped filled pastry. Evening entertainment includes musical performances and the Nativity play.

Ireland

Docklands Christmas Market – Dublin

December 8 to December 24, 2011

The Christmas Market at the Dublin Docklands takes a more pan-European approach to the holidays. Visitors can treat themselves to traditional mulled wine, a wide selection of pastries from all over the continent and wander through the merchant stalls. The dockside location lends a magical atmosphere to the market as the sun sets and the lights’ glow illuminates the water. The lovingly restored “Galloping Horses” Carousel, fairground attractions and carol singers provide hours of family entertainment.

Italy

Heidelberg Market – Florence

December 1 – 21, 2011

Held in Florence’s piazza di Santa Croce, this market in the heart of the city features vendors primarily from Germany, France and some Italian vendors. There are many crafts on hand (sweaters, trinkets, toys) as well as German wurst with mustard and a mug of Glühwein (mulled wine).

Netherlands

The Christmas Market in the Velvet Cave – Valkenburg aan de Geul

November 18 to December 23, 2011

A visit to the Valkenburg Christmas Market is a unique experience. One of the largest and oldest underground Christmas markets in Europe, the market is housed in a series of caves decked out to look like everyone’s Christmas fantasy come true. Visit Santa’s home in the Velvet Caves, ogle his room of presents and admire his bedroom. Children will delight in seeing his sleigh and reindeer. With endless stalls brimming with crafts and food, a visit to this subterranean bazaar will surely be one to remember.

Norway

Christmas Market at Spikersuppa – Oslo

November 24 to December 20, 2011

Christmas time in Oslo is enough to make even the most jaded of us believe in Santa again. The lights that cover the trees in the market and the fanciful design of the tents bring to mind childhood ideals of the perfect holiday. The Christmas Market at Spikersuppa is filled with potential presents and Norwegian delicacies, most of which involve elk. Grab a warm cup of gløgg, nibble on some pepperkake and revel in the holiday spirit.

Spain

Santa Llúcia Christmas Market – Barcelona

November 26 to December 22, 2011

This Barcelona market dates back to 1786 and has become synonymous with the traditional Catalan Christmas. Generally, the fair is divided into four sections. The Nativity Scenes and Figures area offers both displays of Nativity scenes and sells accessories for customers who would like to construct their own. The Greenery and Plants section sells both real and faux trees. The Crafts area is filled with local artisans peddling their wares. The Simbombes section supplies every type of musical instrument you could possibly want for your symphonic Christmas celebration.

Sweden

Christmas at Liseberg – Gothenburg

November 18 to December 23, 2011

The holiday season at one of the largest amusement parks in Scandinavia is a sight to behold. Lit by nearly five million lights, visitors can experience a traditional Swedish Christmas. The park’s many restaurants also offer traditional local holiday dishes, including a buffet inspired by Sweden’s west coast. Every Sunday, enjoy sing-alongs with some of the country’s favorite vocalists and be sure to take the children to see Father Christmas!

United Kingdom

Traditional German Christmas Market – Edinburgh

November 24 to December 24, 2011

Germany comes to Scotland for the holidays at the annual Traditional German Christmas Market in Edinburgh. Put on by Frankfurt-based merchants in Princes Street Gardens, the multitude of stalls selling German hand-crafts is perfect for those searching for unique gifts. The food, of course, is not to be missed, with German delicacies like grilled sausages, fried potato cakes, pork sandwiches and glühwein, a traditional German mulled wine.