Beauty and the Drink

I've walked by the Waterbar hundreds of times, but finally got the chance to stop in a couple weeks ago.  It was a beautiful day so of course we requested to sit on the patio.  We noshed on the featured oysters, fries and their Three Sheets drink. Good eats + Yummy drink = Good time! 

Sometimes lunch has to be QUICK and Sushi Umi understands that.  Sushi traveled fast and furious on these little boats which totally made me happy. Everything was at the right temperature with lots of sushi and vegetarian dishes to choose from - yums! But the best part? I was back at the office in no time. A to the awesome!

Sushi Umi

Blue Hawaiian & Sidewinder Fang Volcano BowlsA fun little tiki bar, The Downtown Tiki Lounge,  opened up in my neighborhood and I had to check it out. Naturally, the girls and I got two highly recommended volcano bowls: Sidewinder Fang and Blue Hawaiian. The Sidewinder turned out to be the winning tcket!  

GitaneHi Everyone!
Sorry it's been awhile but I've been super busy with moving to a new home and work projects.  And it looks like I'm going to be even more busy this fall, so hang in there with me!  Anyway, I've been to quite a few places lately and before I post them to my San Francisco Bay Area page I thought I would share them here first. Take a looksy and please feel free to share any recommendations - I'm always looking for cool new stuff to do!    

Tataki (pac heights): My first sustainable sushi restaurant - I was impressed! Get the Double-Double & the Scallop Tataki, they're the bomb! Oh yea, this place is tiny, so come early and prepare for a wait - not recommended for parties bigger than 4.
Solstice (pac heights):  Long line at Tataki? Grab a drink right next door while you wait - try the fabulous Raspberry Mojito.
Gitane (union square): This restaurant makes you feel like a princess! Bartenders are super sweet (patient with tipsy, giggly girls) and the girls thought the food was tasty!
Vesuvio (north beach): Love the ambiance - it’s just a fun place to hang with friends...
Blackbird Bar (castro): Slurp on the Slurpeeeee, you won't regret it.
Tipsy Pig (marina): They're known for their super cute patio and Strawberry Fields drink - totally refreshing on a Thursday afternoon.  Perfect for happy hours.
The Grove (yerba buena):  You can count on tasty grill cheeses, great beers and a yummy pot pie. The decor is fab too, they bring the outside in.  Great for happy hours and lunch with co-workers.
Moby Dick (castro): Love the vibe and the cute bartender with blue eyes.
Cafe Flore (castro):  Awesome brunch or lunch place, I'm in love with eggs benedict and they have some cool combinations that I haven't seen anywhere else.
Mehjil Indian Cuisine (SOMA): I've walked by this restaurant a hundred times but finally stopped in last week with some friends. We had the Chicken Lachha (like tiny crispy chicken strips), Chicken Tikka Masala and Murag Makhni (butter chicken) - SO DELISH! What I love is that they show pictures of every dish on their menu - perfect for someone like me!
Zare at Fly Trap (SOMA): Great decor - love the happy hour. I would do more happy hours here, then I would head next door to Mehjil for dinner. Mmmmmmmm
Sushi Monster (belmont): My new favorite sushi place on the peninsula! Not only do they serve my favorite type of roll - shrimp tempura & cream cheese (Daniel Roll) - but its super affordable too. Travis and I can eat here for less than $40 bucks! Try the Jalapeno Bomb and the Belmont Roll. The Chicken Katsu is totally yums too.
Redwood Room (civic center/tenderloin): I went here on a Saturday night. Great vibe, very diverse crowd and the artwork on the wall always gets the conversation going. BTW they have tasty mojitos!
The Ambassador (civic center/tenderloin): From the outside, this place is just a small black door but once you're inside its high ceiling has some of the most beautiful chandeliers! With brocade on the walls, this joint makes you feel like you are not in the city. On a Saturday night the music is decent and so are the drink prices.
Ikes Place (redwood city):   Although this place is only open during the weekdays and takes orders by phone – we still try to grab a tasty sammich from time to time. My favorite? The Ménage-a-Trois with mozzarella sticks.

I'm also starting to add some quick reviews on Yelp, so check out my profile there too!
- Tara

Image courtesy of Cafe C.

Duchesse de Bourgogne

I've had my first Duchesse! 

At The Refuge that is...

This yummy goodness reminded me of a New Belgium's Old Cherry at first, but after half a glass I realized it was kinda like a Lindemans Framboise Lambic - only less concentrated and sweet.  Which was perfect because sometimes raspberry or cherry lambics can be too rich for me.

Anyway, I'm happy I came across the Duchesse de Bourgogne because I like a little fruity ale from time to time.  It makes me feel like a lady in this manly man beer world.

Beer Gurus CLICK HERE for the stats.

Image courtesy of The Perfectly Happy Man