Ponzu - 401 Taylor St. at O'Farrell, SFCA

   I really wanted someone to go with me to Ponzu, seeing as I had a Groupon for $50, but alas, everyone was occupied. I thought since it's touted as Asian fusion I could probably eat $50 worth - no problem at your average sushi joint! Well, I was wrong, believe it or not. Their idea of small plates is a little different. The Spiced Nuts (4), consisting of almonds, cashews and filberts in a smoked paprika/chile flake coating, was almost two cups in size. I took a fair amount to go, even after sharing with some of my fellow diners at the bar. The Local Calamari (12) was fried with a light salt and pepper batter and served with yuzu aioli. Again, this was the size of your average calamari order in an Italian or Chinese resto. Delicious, BTW. The Brussel Sprout Petals (5) is a dish I would go back for any day - sauteed with bacon and hazelnuts in a sauce that smacked of mustard. I think this would be the best way to convert those folks who say they hate brussel sprouts! Last but not least, a suggestion from my neighbors, the Tartare Duo (13), tuna in a white soy vinaigrette with diced avocado, pickled onion and taro chips. The avocado may have been a bit rich in contrast with the delicate tuna, but I suffered through it.
   My one bone of contention was that they automatically added an 18% gratuity to the tab. I tip 20% most of the time and I don't blame restos for adding the tip to parties of five or more, but a lone diner? That aside, I think the food here is pretty good. With a Bulleit Manhattan, tax and tip, my total was $9 and change with the Groupon.
   To see the full menu go to:www.ponzurestaurant.com

Spire - 685 - 3rd St., at Townsend, SFCA

   Yet another coupon-oriented dining experience that dovetailed nicely with a fabulous outing at AT&T Park where we saw the Giants kick ass this last Sunday. This time we had a $40 tab for $20 and with the dishes pictured, a Bloody Mary (12) and a Screwdriver (6) our total came to two dollars and change, plus a $10 tip for our efficient server, Michelle.
   On top you see the Grilled Hangar Steak with Eggs (11), accompanied by potato-fennel hash and a gastrique; below, the Sweet Bourbon French Toast (10) with pecans, peach compote and a maple chantilly topping. Although you can't see it, there's plenty of steak under those eggs and my homie Glenn said it was cooked perfectly medium rare. The only gripe he had was, 'where's the toast?' I said, 'it's all right here under this whipped cream'. I neglected to ask what kind of bread I was eating, but it had more the consistency of pound cake than your average white stuff. The peaches were a nice touch, being the first yellow peaches I've had this season, and the pecans added a sweet, caramelized crunch. Put whipped cream on a fried baloney sandwich and I'd probably eat it - this chantilly provided a good moistness to the toast.
   I have to say I was surprized at how good the food was, considering the prices. I think $12 for a Bloody Mary is a bit dear unless you're at the St. Francis. They do feature Bottomless Mimosas for $10. Brunch is served Sunday from 11am to 3pm. If you're looking at lunch, they're open Tue-Fri. from 11:30 to 2pm. Dinner seekers can dine from 5:30 to 10pm, Tue-Thu. and 5:30 to 11pm on Fri, Sat. Check it out!

Burger Wars - Bender's Bar and Grill, 806 So. Van Ness, SFCA

   It looks like Johnny Davis and his chef Julian have come up with another winner - a burger with bacon and bourbon mixed into the patty. The bourbon flavor is subtle, especially when you add the pepperjack cheese like I did. And if you need more bacon, they'll throw on a couple of slices. Rounding out this bad boy is a nice pile of Tater Tots, fried to crunchy goodness; I'll take these over French fries anyday. The grill is open Tuesday through Saturday from 6pm until late.

The Main Reason I Go To Brandy Ho's...

   I went to Brandy Ho's when it first opened and I thought it sucked, after having been initiated into basic Hunan cuisine at the original Henry's Hunan on Kearny. I went back, reluctantly, a couple of years later at the request of a lady friend who swore it was great and essentially she was right. When I drove a cab there were many a cold rainy night I pulled into the red zone outside the door on the Pacific Street side, dashed inside and ordered the dish you see here, the Smoked Ham Rice Plate. This is some of the best smoked meat I've ever had, and it's recipe is a closely guarded secret. I know that they use sawdust, orange peels, old tea leaves and a host of other things to create the unique flavor. Because of Health Dept. regulations, it can't be made exactly the same way they make it in China, just as the famed Iberico hams of Spain are not all available in the USA because of the aging process involved. Let's just say it's pretty darn good and when you order it 'extra hot' it's even better!

The Missing Link

Big Nate's BBQ - 1665 Folsom, between 12th & Division St., SFCA

   Coming up on their 20th anniversary, Big Nate's has announced a new partnership with Matt Sturm and Chris Cronk of Solstice and Fly Bar. The premises have been spruced up and the menu has been revamped a bit.
   Pictured here is the 2-Way "Fast Break" Combo (17), with pork spare ribs and pulled beef brisket, slaw and mac 'n' cheese (a new addition). Now some of you know I'm a Kansas City boy and while some folks in Memphis might disagree, KC is the "Rib Capitol of the World". So while I enjoyed the smoky quality and flavor of these ribs, they were almost as dry as a bone - either not enough mop sauce applied, not enough moisture in the smoker or maybe too lean, or a combination of all three. The brisket on the other hand was tender and moist and probably measured out to about a 1/4 lb. or more. I sampled the hot sauce and found it to be good but not great - after eating Gate's BBQ Sauce for nearly 50 years, I'm bit picky about my sauce as well as my ribs. As for the sides, again, okay but not great.
   If you're out and about on Oct. 9th, Big Nate's will holding their anniversary party all day. $10 will get you an all-you-can-eat Q buffet, an open beer and wine bar and live music from noon to 4pm.
 

Recommended Reading - Garlic Is Life

   Garlic Is Life, by Chester Aaron (Ten Speed Press, 1996), is just one of his three books about the 'stinking rose'. As the subtitle indicates, we get a bit of biographical info as well as recipes, plus a detailed description of the hazards and pitfalls of growing your own garlic. The author currently grows upward of ninety varieties on his farm in Occidental, CA. Even if you're not fond of the stuff, this is still a good read. His other two books are The Great Garlic Book and Garlic Kisses; all are available at www.abe.com. Mr. Aaron is a prolific author on subjects other than garlic. If you'd like to learn more about him, go to: www.chesteraaron.com

Bund Shanghai, 640 Jackson St., SFCA

  On my Friday visit to Bund I learned that they have brought in a new famed chef from the mainland, and the menu is due for a transformation soon. Pictured at right is one new dish, Stir Fried Eel and Vegetables with Crispy Noodles (9). I like my unagi but I can't say I'm crazy about eel cooked in Chinese dishes. Maybe it just needs the right sauce or seasoning, so I'll continue to try it when someone else is interested. If you haven't seen previous food pics from Bund Shanghai, go to:
www.flickr.com/photos/8256207@N08
and find the complete set.

Snack Time

   A new product - new to me at any rate - from TJ's, these are a welcome substitute for those fiery Cheetos that leave your fingers a nice bright red. Per serving (28g, 1oz.): 130 calories - 50 from fat; Total fat 6g - 1g saturated fat, 0g transfat; 0g cholesterol; 200mg sodium; total carbs 19g - 2g dietary fiber; 2g protein. I'm liking these a lot!

Eatin' In The 'Hood - Chilango, 235 Church St., between Market & 15th, SFCA

  Chilango is the rebirth of the erstwhile Azteca Taqueria; it's still the same owners, who also own Casa Mexicana on the other side of Market St. near 14th St. This new incarnation involves a slightly more upscale menu, gravitating away from burritoville. Pictured here are Flautas de Pato (Duck Flautas, 9) three crispy shells containing duck seasoned with oregano, chile arbol and tomatillos, topped with cheese, tomato and lettuce. First time I've seen duck used and I like it. At top right, Frijoles Negros Refritos (3), which the server told me were refried in the lard used to saute the carnitas. These still remained a little bland for my taste, which is why I'm glad I ordered the Marinated Jalapenos (3) your typical escabeche in lots of restos here. And to fill our sugar quota, a nice Jarritos Strawberry Soda (3).
   Chef Roberto Aguiar Cruz is pushing the organic, free range angle here, and I honestly would like to sample the dinner menu sometime. If you'd like to view the full lunch and dinner menus, go to: www.chilangococina.com

Take-Out in the Wine Country

   You probably thought I was talking about Napa or Sonoma County. Nope, I'm talking about 6th and Mission and a little place called Split Pea Seduction. This bare-bones hole in the wall has been serving God knows who for about four years, so they must be doing something right. I had another one of those coupons that was about to expire, so down I went last Friday on a beautiful sunny day. They offer soups, salads, sandos and crostadas in varying combos and I landed on this choice at right, a Grilled Aged Gouda sandwich with Early Girl tomatoes and basil on 'country white bread' and a half salad of Hearts of Romaine with champagne grapes, feta, pepitas and a cider vinaigrette. Normally, this goes for $11.75 plus tax. Pretty tasty and filling, which is what we want, don't we?
   You can view the menu at: www.splitpeaseduction.com and call-in orders are available.

Patio Espanol, 2850 Alemany Blvd., SFCA

Pequillos - Peppers Stuffed with Goat Cheese

Chorizo Seco

Marinated White Anchovies

Garlic Soup

Paella Valenciana

Garbanzo and Sausage Soup

   Patio Espanol is part of the Spanish Cultural Center. I'd never heard of it until my friend Gabe Sims told me about his father taking him there. It's a bit out of the way, almost in Daly City, but I like that. The main dining area is designed to look like a typical Spanish courtyard. They have a full bar and can accommodate private functions of 50 to 300 people.

House Salad

   I'm not going into detail about all the dishes or the prices on this one. I will say that if you are on a low salt regimen, you will note the saltiness of some dishes - it's not overpowering , however. There is good use of garlic, peppers and sherry wine sauce. I'm not an authority on paella but

Albondigas

I thoroughly enjoyed this hearty serving. The soups pictured are small bowls, but with all the rest of the food they were ample for four people.
   There are people who have been to Spain who tell me the food is awful, and there are those who tell me the food is wonderful. Go figger. All I'll say is, I had a great time with friends who agreed that the food here is simple but delicious. With a round of cocktails, four glasses of wine, tax and tip, our tab was about $42 per person. The hours posted on their web page seem to differ from those listed on the Google page, so call to make sure - (415) 587-5117. Reservations are accepted.

Solomillo de Cerdo al Pastor

Creme Brulee

Eatin' in the 'Loin - Soluna, 272 McAllister St. at Larkin, SFCA

   Another City Coupon for free fries, in this case Truffle Fries (6) with pecarino romano, preserved lemon aioli and chile-lime ketchup. Good fries and plenty of them - I couldn't eat them all. To balance the carbs, an Arugula Salad (11) with pancetta-wrapped figs, blue cheese croutons and Cabernet vinaigrette. I know figs are everywhere and they're not precious, so why three little dinky pieces with pancetta that was barely discernible. If there was olive oil in the vinaigrette it wasn't a high grade extra virgin variety. The one thing that irked me was the fact that it took 25 minutes to get my food, even though I was the only person waiting for eats. Soluna is not on my go-back list.

City Dish

   As many of you know, I subscribe to all the coupon and discount sites I can find. One of them is CityDish.com, where you can download coupons for freebies and discount specials. Right now you can obtain a free Wild Mushroom Pizza at Globe Restaurant thru 9/15, and a free Bottle Of Wine at Maharani Restaurant thru this coming Sunday, 9/5. Check it out, homes!

Mifune, Kintetsu Mall, Post and Buchanan St., SFCA

   To my knowledge, Mifune is the oldest restaurant in SF that specializes in Japanese noodles, having been in it's current location for 30+ years. I needed to go to the Chinese Consulate for a visa application and I said to myself, 'how about a nice bowl of soba?' I know that these days ramen is all the rage and I'll probably get around to checking out some of the hot spots soon, but yesterday I was all health conscious. I selected the Seafood Soba (10.80), which comes with a couple of ebi, a piece of tako and some strips of tamago. A dipping sauce is provided and pickled ginger as well. A nice lunch, but I need to check the price of noodles at other shops just for comparison - $10.80 seems a bit dear!
   Unfortunately, Mifune doesn't have a website displaying their menu, but I can guarantee you they have a wide variety of soba, udon and ramen with any number of toppings.