Healthy Chicken Vegetable Barley Soup

I had a ton of leftover chicken (roasted two whole birds at once) from doing a "mock" Thanksgiving dinner the other night. So, I needed to get back on the healthy side of things and made this soup.

I simmered the barley and chopped, dried shitake mushrooms in chicken stock for a bit over an hour. Then added the chicken, some poultry seasoning and thyme. Simmered for about 15 minutes more and then added some frozen mixed veggies. Simmered about 5 minutes more.

A very hearty and healthy soup for a cold winter day!

Ham and Veggie Taco's

Well, time again to pull stuff together and use up the veggie bin before going shopping.... decided to add some ham, onion, yellow and red bell pepper, zucchini, mushroom and give a quick saute and add a little cheese for some tasty taco's... Easy, fast and very yummy!

Trattoria Contadina, San Francisco

This was the hightlight of my dining experience in San Francisco. Trattoria Contadina has some of the most personable staff, Alicia, and delicious food in the city. A small, cozy and romantic place. Settling in, I had a delicious MANA'S MOJITO,Cruzan Light Rum, Veeve Acai Liqueur, fresh muddled mint leaves, sugar & fresh lime juice. that was made perfectly. After discussing the menu with Alicia, we decided that a wonderful Grigich Hills Merlot would fit the meal. I started with a Carpaccio di Manzo, thinly sliced raw Filet Mignon with fresh arugula, parmesan cheese, extra virgin olive oil, capers and lemon accompanied with perfect Italian bread. I was told that being only served a few times a year, I would be in for a treat having their version of cioppino. It was generously filled with mussels, clams, shrimp, squid, salmon and clams. The broth was a delightful blend of tomato, saffron, basil... truely heaven. An etherial experience such as this had to be completed with a perfect dessert to help me finish my delicious wine. I chose the Chocolate Covered Gelato Truffle Dark Chocolate Ice Cream Heart with a raspberry sorbet center and much to my delight the staff offered a delicious after dinner drink of Kalana with steamed milk dusted with cocoa on the house.

As I said, this was the perfect meal with a perfect waitress with perfect weather on a perfect vacation. Alicia usually works on Wednesdays, but with luck you may find her on the weekend.

Trattoria Contadina Italian Restaurant

1800 Mason Street

San Francisco, CA 94133

Telephone Number: (415)982-5728

The Slanted Door Restaurant, San Francisco

Before riding around on some streetcars on my last day, I had a wonderful and delicious lunch at The Slanted Door restaurant in the Ferry Building on the bay. I started with a very generous sized German beer and the Slanted Door spring rolls with shrimp, pork, mint and peanut sauce. Both were light and refreshing. For my entre, I couldn't resist the cellophane noodles with fresh dungeness crab meat... again, light and refreshing and very generous with the Dungeness crab. On my waiter's suggestion, my dessert was a Meyer lemon pot de creme
with ginger snaps. A perfect meal that left me satisfied, yet not too full for a day of traveling.

The Slanted Door

1 Ferry Building

San Francisco, CA 94111

(415) 861-8032

More San Francisco sights.

Brioche Bakery, San Francisco

Just a delightful little bakery on Columbus street with delicious breads, pastries and assorted goodies. I made off with a delicious baguette with pate and pickles and, also, this absolutely wonderful and beautiful pizza topped with caramelized onions and seasonal vegetables on brioche crust.

Wonderful, friendly employees.

Brioche Bakery

210 Columbus Ave.

San Francisco, CA

(415) 765- 0412

More Sights of San Francisco

Sightseeing San Francisco

Vesuvio Cafe, San Francisco

On another recommendation by my friend, Clark, I found the Vesuvio Cafe to be a great place to commence the days business. It is a wonderful corner bar that serves no food but will get you going with a great Bloody Mary. The bartenders are very nice and very fun (except Mike... a manager that thinks its important you know he runs the place... much attitude) and the mix of people is a lovely blend of locals and tourists. There are small tables on the second floor that offer fine "people watching" going by on Columbus and Jack Kerouac Alley. The atmosphere is buzzing at night, yet it is a relaxed, quiet place to chat or read in the afternoon. Lots of kitchy art on the walls and stained glass lighting above. Very much a '50's beatnik hangout... lots of flavor.

Vesuvio Cafe

255 Columbus Ave

San Francisco, CA 94133

(415) 362-3370

Molinari Delicatessen, San Francisco

Man 'o man... do I ever wish this deli was close to my neighborhood. Everything, the best of Italy, is located here. Beautiful side dishes, any kind of salumi or cheese. All specialty items to make your picnic or Italian themed event the best. Olive oils, garnishes, pasta, wine... they have it all. Great sandwiches and I want another NOW ! ! !

Molinari

373 Columbus Ave

(between Grant Ave & Vallejo St)

San Francisco, CA 94133

(415) 421-2337

The Stinking Rose, San Francisco

Another great encounter with this restaurant specializing in garlic dishes. As they claim... "they season their garlic with food." IF YOU LOVE GARLIC, YOU'LL LOVE THIS PLACE ! ! ! I kept things simple and started with the Bagna Calda which is: Garlic cloves, oven-roasted in extra virgin olive oil & butter with a hint of anchovy. A wonderful treat for spreading on our house-baked focaccia bread. Served at your table in an iron skillet. And then followed with Gnocchetti with Garlic gorgonzola, asparagus & toasted pine nuts... of course, I had to add some of the roasted garlic cloves from the appetizer. And finished with a chocholate tiramisu. They are even in the Guiness Book of World Records with the longest braided garlic strand hanging in the rafters.

The Stinking Rose
325 Columbus Ave
San Francisco, CA 94133
(415) 781-7673

Caffe Puccini, San Francisco

I had a wonderful breakfast at Caffe Puccini. They make a very satisfying scrambled egg, ham and cheese on focaccia. I wish I could drink coffee as they were serving some of the best looking and smelling Italian coffee. Apparently, the owner make delicious sauces and combines them with wonderful past at night.

Cafe Puccini

411 Columbus Ave

San Francisco, CA 94133

(415) 989-7033