Top Scallop

Was in the Bay Area this past weekend, and le cub had the foresight to make reservations at Absinthe, the Hayes Valley brasserie run by Top Chef Season 5 contestant, Jamie Lauren. Throughout that season, my man and I longed to try her scallops. She was always making them!! So often that an exasperated Fabio was caught on camera exclaiming, "This is Top Chef! Not Top Scallop!"

Anyhoo, our Absinthe experience was a good one. The French Onion soup (the best I've ever had) was well-seasoned and perfect, considering the chilly evening weather. The oyster shooters were also lovely. Go Bloody Mary! And the main course... the scallops. They were so delicious that my picky fiance declared them the best he'd EVER had.

Service left much to be desired, and the dessert menu was lame. We didn't order any. Rare, as I'm such a dessert junkie. But boy, were the savory items yummy!

I look forward to returning.
Absinthe
398 Hayes St
San Francisco, CA 94102

Photos to come.

Town's End Restaurant and Bakery

Brunch with old friends in my old stomping ground, SOMA.
I loved the complimentary basket of fresh-baked scones and muffins served to us at Town's End. And Josh's eggs benedict? YUM!
Nothing uber-unique about the fare served at Town's End, but always a solid showing.

Town's End Restaurant and Bakery
2 Townsend St
San Francisco, CA 94107
(415) 512-0749

Five A's

That's the name of the restaurant, er cafe. FIve A's!
Le cub and I don't understand why the reviews for this joint are so awful. The food here is incredible. Just like that which is served back home in Taiwan. So authentic. Loved all the "small dishes" served at the beginning of the meal like the braised peanuts & marinated cabbage (pictured), the knife-cut noodles (pictured), the fried pork chop (pictured), and ooh, the "saliva" chicken (devoured)! I can't wait to return.

Five A's Cafe
1851 El Camino Real, Burlingame, CA