Latkes

Months have passed since my last post and while I have dined at many fun and some new locations, nothing makes me happier then tonight's Hanukkah dinner. Latkes, latkes, latkes....need I say more...oh wait...and brisket. This week has seemed so long in anticipation of those starchy, fried delicacies. In preparation I even dressed appropriately with leggings and a skirt with an elastic waistband. I really can't wait to indulge!

The magical pan

My mom's latkes are the best! No really, they are perfect. Probably a combination of the way she shreds the potato to the heavy skillet they are cooked in. It also helps that the family is all together, hanging out in the kitchen to snag the first of many golden brown potato pancakes.

While latkes are delicious on their own, I can't leave this post without speaking of the condiments, sour cream and applesauce. I am not sure who came up with this masterful combination of dairy and fruit, but it works. Years ago when I lived in Holland, I made a little video of how one eats their latke, since the video is gone, I'll walk you through the process.

Latkes before

• First grab perfect latke
• Second apply a generous dalop of sour cream
• Third add spoonful of applesauce (maybe mix together a little)
• Fourth, enjoy!

As you can see, I am of the sour cream AND applesauce contingency.

How do you eat your latke? Do you like the condiments?

Yesterday, on my way to Pilates, I heard this story on NPR. Definitely a twist on the traditional latke. One day I will try some other recipes out, but not without mom's on the side.

Friday Jumpstart

 

Heard this song on my way to work today and danced (car danced) on my way to the office. I just can't get enough of the beat and loved the performance with Quest Crew on So You Think You Can Dance.

To Blog or not to blog...

Blogging is a difficult habit to keep up. As you can see my entries haven't numbered many and I have to admit, at times it is challenging to take the time to focus my energy to sit and write. While I follow some fashion and food bloggers who are devoted to the craft, I have found that my lack of initiative, gusto, creativity, is not unique. While this activity will take you away from my blog for a second or two, if you click the "next blog" jump at the top of the page you will find a slew of bloggers who, like me, are in and out of sync with their blog. "Next Blog" is quite interesting and may keep you clicking for days, as some have one entry or last blogged in 2009. I mention this for two reasons, one it is just plain interesting and two, it geared me up for my third entry.

Back to SD food interests.

I have been on a quest, fellow foodies. What kind of quest, you may ask? Well the challenge sounds simple, but had bumps along the way and that was to find epic sushi in San Diego, that does not cost an arm and leg (amazing Nobu) and is near my North Park neighborhood. While I love walking to food establishments near my home, I am sick and tired of the local fare. After some serious yelping I came across a gem that after much consideration am revealing to my audience (the fab five... a.k.a. my followers). 

Hane Sushi, located on 5th Avenue in Banker's Hill, deserves kudos. Related to the ever popular Sushi Ota on Mission Bay Blvd in Pacific Beach, Hane is close to North Park and delicious. Hooray! After reading the many Yelp reviews, I called and the woman who answered (I am guessing the owner and/or manager) was happy to place us at the sushi bar twenty minutes later.

Hane looks quite fancy from the outside with their electric blue sign, however, once inside has a more laid back atmosphere. The restaurant houses a full bar, sushi bar, and a collection of tables. We were there on a Saturday night around 7:30pm and it was not busy. Our sushi chef and waitress were incredibly friendly and kind after listening to my dramatic interpretation of sushi in San Diego. We ordered the following dishes, hot sake and beer: hamachi kama, the threesome roll, baby snapper nigiri, the very belly belly, and tempura eggplant topped with spicy tuna.

Very Belly Belly, Threesome Roll, Baby Snapper Nigiri, Tempura Eggplant and Spicy Tuna

Very Belly Belly, included salmon, toro, and yellowtail belly. The toro was like butter and literally melted in my mouth, the Threesome Roll contained spicy tuna, tempura shrimp, and cucumber inside; with eel and an avocado salsa on top. I could have eaten the avocado salsa as is. The baby snapper was a surprise, as we had originally ordered the cured halibut that was out of stock. Our sushi chef recommended the baby snapper, and like most baby animals, the snapper was sweet, soft, and really tasty. Last pictured, was the tempura eggplant with spicy tuna. Fried tempura eggplant, tuna...what more do I need to say.

In the end, my quest for delicious sushi paid off. I am stoked to go back and try other menu options and of course, bring family and friends back to enjoy Hane Sushi.

Brunch and a Hike

The beauty of Dinner Club (DC) is that the rules are flexible. One particular exception is dinner club can be any meal served during the day, which brings me to today's meeting...Sunday brunch.

Stratford Court Cafe

Stratford Court Cafe on 13th Street in Del Mar was the site for this months get together. Upon arrival, I was impressed with the outdoor seating and atmosphere. The restaurant is situated in a Cape Cod style house and at the entrance, tables are scattered about for the taking. It also doesn't hurt to be in beautiful Del Mar, where the sun was shining, and the beach is only an inhale away.

Unfortunately, on this beautiful day, I ordered incorrectly. Instead of getting the croissant sandwich, which is hard to screw up (my own assumption), I settled on the fritatta. I shouldn't say settle, though, as I assumed that a weekend treat would be popular and delicious, since it is only served Saturday and Sunday. The first bite was good, nothing to write home about, but good. The second, not so good. I think there was a heavy hand on flour or something starchy, which left the vegetable fritatta tasteless. There were also minimal veggies used, so to call it a vegetable fritatta on this Sunday was a bit of an exaggeration. At one point, a man stopped by to see how we were doing and I didn't speak up. Now that I am blogging about these experiences, I will be more open and not dismiss a bad tasting meal silently.

I can only speak for myself on this blog, but other items that looked tasty and were enjoyed were the Chicken Salad Sandwich and the Powerhouse Scramble. I also imbibed a lovely glass of orange juice and the coffee drinkers were not disappointed.

Ultimately, I will give Stratford Court Cafe a second chance. At times, ordering wrong can be the impetus for a unhappy meal and when you are trying new things, thinking outside of the box, taking a risk the outcome is unpredictable.

Me, Katia, Jackie, and Mollie

As mentioned in my intro, dinner club can be defined by the group and its members. Katia, took the reigns this month and while not all could make it, brunch was followed by a beautiful hike in Torrey Pines State Reserve. It is because of moments like this that an ok meal becomes great.

Diving in stomach first...

My love for food did not begin with this particular club, however, the inspiration to write about it did.

I have been an adventurous eater since I was a young girl. My dad enjoys telling people how I would eat sardines straight from the can when I was 3, so as you can see I will try anything...even writing a blog.

A year ago, my dear friend Jackie invited me to join a dinner club. Without hesitation I accepted and low and behold here I am (very long after) sharing my thoughts about our food experiences.

Food has always been an important part of my life and I guess you can say I have been clubbin' before my actual dinner club days. I love exploring the food scene in San Diego and in particular praise the ethnic food varieties that this fine city has to offer. This blog will feature reviews of the places our club has dined at, as well as my own opinions and recommendations for a pleasurable food experience in San Diego and the places I have traveled.

Bon Apetit!
Sarah
(Now I am going to press "publish post" ahhhh)