ad hoc Sunday Brunch, Yountville CA

The best part about dining at Thomas Keller's ad hoc restaurant is that I don't know the menu till day of. This is also the worst part about dining as I usually scope and scour the internets to strategize what I'd like to order and what are must try menu items.

ad hoc posts their daily menu at http://www.adhocrestaurant.com/menu/. Their american style sunday brunch was no exception and given their menu is their menu, you have to be willing to eat anything that's served to you. No substitutes! 

My foodie buddies and I really wanted to try ad hoc, but were nervous so we decided to play it safe *just in case*. The good news is that there are many, many other world-class restaurants walking distance for a last minute change of plans.

Once we arrived, there was no question that we would stay. At the end of the day, these folks know what they are doing so it's worth trying regardless.  I don't think I've ever ordered a porkchop for breakfast, but I'm so glad I was forced to. At $34 per person (excluding drinks/extra), it's well worth the money to experience the culinary skills of the ad hoc team and try something new.

Everything was delicious from start to finish: Beautiful spring endives & watercress salad, a crispy, juicy porkchop with cheesy grits and apple crumble, a side of belgian chocolate pancakes, and finished with strawberry shortcake = amazing. Here's what we ate on April 28th, 2013. Everything other than dessert was served family style.

• ad hoc Bloody Mary
• Endive & Watercress Salad with ruby red grapefruit, tangelos, carrot, ping pong radishes, and dill-yogurt dressing
• Grilled Porkchop with ham gravy, anson mills cheddar grits, sunny-side up hen eggs, charred kale sprouts, and baked apples (these were more like an apple crumble with so many crispy bits to die for!)
• Chocolate Chip Pancakes (an extra $8 for 3 - again, if you're at ad hoc, you might as well try everything!)
• Strawberry Shortcake with lemon curd, swanton strawberries, and whipped chantilly cream

Can't wait to go back and try dinner there one day, and visit addendum (located right behind) for their famous fried chicken!

Tips: 

• Make reservations in advance! ad hoc is on OpenTable which makes it pretty easy.
• If the menu hasn't been posted yet, you can call them at 707-944-2487hen they open at 10am to check what brunch items they're serving, or just stop by the location. The menu is posted outside.

See more pictures at http://on.fb.me/11dfGEb

Endive and Watercress Salad from ad hoc

Grilled Porkchop from ad hoc

The Best Breakfast Egg Casserole - Texas Eggs Recipe

Texas Eggs are a Thanksgiving tradition in our household passed down over the years. You make it the night before, and bake it the morning of Thanksgiving for a fuss free, filling breakfast that keeps the kitchen clean for Thanksgiving cooking. Another bonus is that it gets the oven warm and prepped!

Now, this 16 egg casserole recipe may look like a heart attack on a plate, but having this once a year is so worth it. Just invite more people over to help feast on the rich, savory, creamy goodness of the egg casserole. But don't forget - the reheated leftovers are EVEN BETTER so don't worry if there aren't many to enjoy together.

Texas Eggs Recipe 
Ingredients

¼ cup butter
½ cup flour
1 qt whole milk
3 oz dried beef*, diced
½ lb bacon, fried & crumbled (make sure this is crispy)

16 eggs
½ tsp salt
1 c evaporated milk
¼ c butter

Sprinkle of paprika

Directions - Day 1

• Cook the butter, flour and whole milk until thick. It should be thick enough to coat a spoon and it will look sort of like gravy.
• Add the dried beef & bacon and set aside

• Whip together the eggs, salt & evaporated milk.
• Melt the butter in a large frying pan, add the egg mixture and scramble eggs until they just start to set.

• Butter a 9x13 pyrex pan and layer as follows:
• First a thin layer of sauce
• Next all the eggs
• Top with the rest of the sauce
• Sprinkle with paprika
• Cover and refrigerate overnight

Directions - Day 2

• Bake 275°F 1 hour – let stand at least 5 min before cutting

*Dried beef can be found in the grocery aisle usually near the canned goods like canned tuna in regular grocery stores (eg Safeway, Walmart, Lucky, etc. NOT organic places like Whole Foods) The brand that is usually available is Hormel's, or you can order it online. There is no substitute so make sure you find it!

The Salt Lick for "Bottomless" Brisket BBQ and More!

The Salt Lick is one of the best barbecue places to visit if you're near Austin, TX. It's located in Driftwood, TX which is about a 35 minutes outside of Austin, but between the amazing bbq and experience - it's worth the drive. They are always busy though, so my reco would be to go at an off hour. We went at around 4:30PM on a Sunday afternoon, and were seated right away. During normal meal hours, the waits can easily get up to over an hour.

If it's your first time, I strongly recommend ordering the all you can eat "Family Style" option for $19.95 as this is the best way to get to try the different meat options: beef brisket (lean, moist, burnt ends), sausage, and pork ribs. It also comes with potato salad, cole slaw, baked beans, pickles, white bread, and optional jalapenos (careful - these are really spicy!). Don't discount the white bread - it's probably the softest, tenderest white, sandwich bread I've ever had. A hint of sweetness with texture that's probably most similar to Hawaiian bread. Add some whipped spread and enjoy :)

Get everything for your first plate just to see what you like. I normally like either lean or burnt ends, but found out after trying the options that "moist" for the brisket was my favorite. You get enough of the "char" and a little bit of crispy on the edges, without it being too tough (which the burnt ends ended up being). The moist beef brisket is so, so tasty! My 2nd favorite is the sausage, and last - the pork ribs. I've definitely had better pork ribs (I really like Texas Roadhouse), but the beef brisket and sausage are amazing. 

All the barbecue has 'sauce' already, but you can add more. They have their original and spicy available at the tables. While they call the spicy "Habanero", it really is not very spicy at all. I liked the original and don't think the extra spice added anything unique. The sauce here isn't tomato based and tastes really unique from other bbq sauces I've had. It's very yummy though and you can buy bottles of it to bring home.

The potato salad and cole slaw (neither of which have mayonnaise based sauces which I appreciate) both have a light vinegar taste. Along with the pickles, these work great with the bbq as it helps cut through the grease. They may not be the most attractive sides, but they are simple and good. I'm not a huge baked beans fan - but they're worth trying.

Last, I've heard their desserts - cobblers and pies - are delicious, but I had too much meat in my belly :( Maybe next time. I haven't tried the turkey either so I just might do that. Mmmm….can't wait till I get more brisket. The Salt Lick is worth visiting again and again, but I may have to sacrifice a visit the next time I'm in Austin to try 

Tips: The Salt Lick is BYOB and if you're really craving a fix, they do have a location at the airport. It's not as good - but it does the trick to get your last bite of barbecue in!

See more pictures here: http://on.fb.me/PcCICN

The BBQ Pit, A Smorgasbord!

The barbeque pit at the Salt Lick: sausage, turkey, brisket, ribs, and more

All You Can Eat "Family Style" - $19.95

"Family Style": endless sausage, ribs, brisket, potatoes, cole slaw, beans, bread and pickles

Dim Sum in SF Bay Area: Koi Palace, Daly City

om nom notes rating: 4 stars

Dim Sum on the weekends can hit the spot - but only if you're mentally prepared for the wait (easily 30-90 min) and ok service. Koi Palace at the Daly City is a good option in the Bay Area, but it is a little more pricey and there will always be a wait. They do have the traditional dim sum carts, but that's also supplemented by a menu where you can order off on for any particular dishes you may want to try - without constantly having to "check" if the next server has it in her cart.

Koi Palace has an extensive menu, and they do use quality ingredients generously (eg the har gow with a lot of plump shrimp). As long as you expect the wait and know that you're not going for the service (despite the price), you'll enjoy the food and experience. Note: in comparison to other dim sum locations, the service here is actually quite good!

Tips for Dim Sum at Koi Palace:

1. Get there early - your wait will be much less the closer you arrive to their opening time for dim sum on the weekend, 10am on Saturdays and 9am on Sundays. Get your number and wait outside where it's quieter - they have a speaker outside so you can hear your number. Koi has a clever "number tracking" screen where you can see exactly how many tables are in front of you, sorted by table size. They even have an SMS update notification you can sign up for. Note: While you can *try* making a reservation, you will most likely still have to wait.
   
   Dim Sum Hours: Sat 10-3, Sun 9-3 (or weekdays from 11-2:30)


2. Because you're waiting - you might as well try out the Dragon's Beard Candy, a hard to find, traditional Chinese confection. The skill to make this sweet treat is very rare so take advantage of the opportunity! I literally haven't had this in over 10+ years and am so glad Koi Palace always has it. See it made: http://on.fb.me/N9JN7A


3. Order the roasted suckling pig slices - this is one of the "special" items off the menu. It's a little pricey at $18 an order but it's worth it. Get it if you love crispy pork skin and tender, juicy pork. You'll want to order this from the servers as it often does not show up in the carts.


4. Baked egg custard buns take 45 min to prepare - so order these from the servers as soon as you sit down in case they have run out of a batch. These are usually my favorite, but I unfortunately did not get to try them as I wasted all my time waiting for these to appear in the carts :(


5. Use the carts & order off the menu - i hate it when dim sum places only have the "order off the menu" option as it no longer feels like dim sum any longer. Koi has a nice variety of options from the carts, but because of how busy the place is - sometimes there are selections that never come by you. This is where the menu comes in handy.
   You can easily flag down a server to order any specific dishes that you don't want to miss, and they'll bring it back to you. This way, you get the experience & ensure you don't miss out!


6. Don't forget to order tea - It's not dim sum unless you have tea. My favorites are either Puerh or Chrysanthemum to go with dim sum. Oolong (which I normally love) in my opinion gets a little overpowering.

See more pictures @ http://on.fb.me/Nrbl3S

Hand Roasted Suckling Pig Slices - $18

Roasted Suckling Pig Slices: the skin is so crispy but the inside stays nice and moist

Fresh Dragon's Beard Candy - $9 for 8 pieces

Dragon's Beard Candy: a traditional chinese confection made from spun sugar, and filled with toasted peanut, coconut, and sesame. Koi Palace has someone to make it fresh, don't miss out - it's hard to find!

Koi Palace

1564 Yelp reviews as of 7/15/12

(650) 992-9000

http://www.koipalace.com

NY Chicken and Rice (+Lamb) - Different But DELICIOUS

om nom notes rating for Sammy's Halal Cart: 5 stars


If you've never had chicken and rice from a food cart/stall/truck/stand in New York, you are missing out. While Sammy's Halal is not the same as the famed chicken and rice from The Halal Guys at 53rd and 6th, it IS OM NOM NOM AMAZING and a much closer option if you're in the SoHo/Lower West Side area. It is different though and there's almost more of an Indian twist to these platters. Treat it as such and you won't be disappointed.


Biggest differences between Sammy's and The Halal Guys are noted below:

• $5 for an order vs. $6 (53rd and 6th) - It is a touch smaller of an order
• Rice is brown vs yellow and has a stronger cinnamon flavor vs. turmeric, plus it seems to be of a longer grain
• Chicken is cooked with onions and peppers and is less 'shredded'
• Lamb is more like cubed gyro meat - Note: I do like the Halal Guy's lamb better as it has more crispy bits
• You can add chickpeas at no extra cost - these are a little bit spicy and very well spiced.
• In addition to white sauce and red sauce, there is a green sauce available
• There is only 1 Sammy's cart

If you've never had chicken and rice from a food stand, you must do so immediately even if it's from a random stand - it is always delicious. Sammy's and The Halal Guys at 53rd and 6th just bring it to the next level. 

Chicken + Lamb and Rice Combo - $5.00

Chicken + Lamb (Gyro) and Rice Combo: chicken, lamb cubes, rice, lettuce, white sauce, red sauce (harissa based), green sauce (cilantro based), and chickpeas

Sammy's Halal Food Truck: on the NE corner of 6th avenue and W. 4th street on the west side of Washington Square Park. get off at the christopher st. - sheridan sq stop if you're taking the 1 train, or at the W. 4th street stop if you're taking the A, B, D, E, F, or M trains. It is right in front of the Chase Bank at 340 6th avenue, New York NY.

Sammy's Halal Menu: chickpeas and green sauce can be added at no extra charge if you ask for them. note - they only charged me $5 for a platter when i asked for half chicken/half gyro.

Sammy's Halal Food

52 Yelp reviews as of 5/8/12

Are Disneyland Corn Dogs Worth the Wait in Line?

om nom notes rating: 4 stars


Adored by Disney fans galore and featured on Los Angeles Foodie's Top 10 Best Foods at Disneyland, I finally had to try the Corn Dog truck at Disneyland. I have to admit, these Corndogs are really quite amazing, but you need to be strategic in "when" you decide to get one. There will be a line so be prepared!

Where to find this truck...

The stand is located off of main street in the little cul-de-sac after the shops on the right end. The line does ebb and flow so there are 'down' times. Or - you could always spend the time in line if you have another member of your party saving a seat for you for the parade or fireworks. If you wait 'too' long, I'm not sure you'll enjoy it *as* much. And, make sure you're hungry and in the mood.

Reco: You can easily share this corndog with at least 3 people, depending upon how much grease you want to intake. These corn dogs are quite large, especially if you get a heavily battered one. Disney always amazes me in how 'consistent' each unit comes out - these are always perfectly good, but sometimes there are 'larger' ones with more cornbread batter.

A Disneyland corndog will cost you about $6.49, but you also get your choice of either chips or prepackaged apple slices. Would highly reco the apples to help cut the grease :) Don't get me wrong - this isn't the gross kind of greasy, it's the really crisp, good kind with a crunch but tender on the inside kind of greasy. Only thing about these corndogs is that I wish the 'dog' had more chew - but still the batter is the best I've ever had.

Tip: For those visiting California Adventure - these corn dogs will also be available at Corn Dog Castle on Paradise Pier.

Enjoy! 


Disneyland Signature Corn Dog - $6.49

The Corn Dogs "Little Red Wagon" at Disneyland

Disneyland Signature Corndog: recreated by an executive chef with the right cornmeal, the right honey, the right flour batter - and the right mix!

A tad bit longer than the normal line at the Corn Dogs truck at Disneyland

Curious about the history of the Disneyland Corndog Truck? Hear from Gary Magetti, Disneyland's Food and Beverage Director:

Note: While the Disney turkey leg is sort of a "must eat every time while visiting Disneyland" kind of thing, I would say the corndog is a "must try" and repeat only whilst craving :)

Disneyland Corn Dog Cart

355 Yelp reviews as of 05/15/12

The BEST Turkey Leg Ever! - by Disney

om nom notes rating: 5 stars


One of the best (and economical) options for food from Disneyland is the turkey leg! The price has gone up over the last couple of years, but it is still worth it at $8.99 for a 1.5lb leg. Where else can you get a moist, juicy, tender, smoky and ginormous turkey leg that can easily be shared with 2+ people (that you are ok with sharing germs with of course)? Plus - are you really going to be able to replicate the salt-water cured, slow-cooked in a smoker for 6+ hours process? SO DELICIOUS!!!

Tips: Make sure you bring lots of napkins and have some water/quencher on hand. It gets salty! Also - if they offer you a tray/carton, take it! This is good to have on hand as you remove the tough turkey cartilage/bones and/or skin (i know i know - blasphemous!)

Where to find these turkey legs?

Disneyland

Main Street Roundabout - If you're facing the Walt/Mickey statue, the turkey leg cart is on the left side, close to across the entrance area to Frontierland. This is a really good place to get a turkey leg if you're waiting around for the fireworks or parade. You can also get chimichangas and (buttered or chili-lime) corn here. 

Side note: Chimichangas are decent at $5.49, well portioned. My family really enjoys the chili-lime corn ($4.39) but it's messy!

Frontierland - This is close to the entrance of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. It used to be a cart, but has actually been turned to a permanent 'stand' to the right of the ferry landing/line area.

California Adventure

Hollywood Pictures Backlot - There's a cart off the main street as you turn into the alley that leads you to Muppet Vision 3D. Chimichangas and corn here too.

Disclaimer: Disneyland/California Adventure clearly can change their plans at any time so these locations are current as of May 2012. These turkey legs (of the same yummy goodness) are also available at the Walt Disney Resort in Florida.

Disney Turkey Leg - $8.99

Smoked Turkey Leg

Disneyland Turkey Leg Cart off Main Street

Learn more about why the turkey leg is so tasty from Food Network's Unwrapped: 

And just in case your curious about the calorie count, i've included it but don't let that stop you. it's totally worth it!

Disneyland Turkey Leg Cart

Yelp reviews as of 5/15/12

Afghan Food in San Carlos

om nom notes rating: 5 stars


Just had official Afghan food at Kabul Afghan Cuisine in San Carlos, CA for the first time and it was delicious! Wonderful service by the owner's daughter Michelle who took the time to explain her favorites. Lamb dishes were highly recommended but her favorite by far (since she was a child) was the "Sabsi Challaw" (lamb & spinach). For the veggie dishes, apparently the customer favorite was "Challaw Kadu" (pumpkin topped with yogurt). As always - the combination platter was the way to go for me to be able to try everything. Portion sizes were also hearty - enough for 2 with a little bit for leftovers. 

I think everyone gets served a simple salad to start their meal. Make sure you ask for the dressing on the side if you like light dressing as they put a lot of it on.

Michelle surprised us with a complimentary "Firnee" dessert which was so light and delicious. Highly recommended if you like pudding. Make sure to save room!

Sabsi Challaw - $14.95 

Very tender and well cooked lamb chunks! sort of like saag (without the heaviness and without the paneer), but with a subtle flavor profile difference. 

Sabsi Challaw: Cubes of lamb cooked with fresh spinach, onions, and garlic, served with challaw (white rice)

Vegetarian Platter - $12.95

I went for the 3 below as Michelle said the sabsi option (spinach) would taste pretty similar to the sabsi lamb dish above.

• Kadu - Sauteed pumpkin topped with yogurt
• Badenjah (My Favorite!) - Stew of eggplant cooked with onions, tomatoes, and herbs, topped with yogurt. Would reco getting this without the yogurt
• Gulpi - Stew of cauliflower cooked with tomatoes, onions, fresh ginger and fine spices

Vegetarian Platter: A combination of three items (my choices: Kadu, Badenjah, Gulpi), served with rice. 

Firnee - (will check for the price next time!)

Pudding made of milk, cardamon, rose water, and sliced almonds, topped with pistachios

Sorry I have no picture as it looked so delicious I went straight for a bite :( Make sure to stir everything together to get the almonds/pistachios/spices distributed throughout.

Kabul Afghan Cuisine

Yelp reviews from 05/14/12

(650) 594-2840

http://www.kabulcuisine.com/
Menu

NOTE: There is also a Kabul Afghan Cuisine in Burlingame I believe with the same menu. Can you believe there are 2 on the peninsula? yay!