Ramen Underground, SF + A Culinary Equation

It's been cold. It's been rainy. Then there's sun. Then there's more rain.

Typical Bay Area weather. Unpredictable and if you're not dressed properly (ahem, layers!) then you're gonna be freezing your buns off.

I don't know about you, but as soon as I feel a chill in the air, all I can think about is soup. Hot, steaming broth with aromatics, toppings, pork, vegetables...nourishing.

I came across this neat little video a few weeks ago and it made me think about all the places in SF that I enjoyed a nice, hot bowl of ramen.

Check this out:


A Culinary Equation :: Episode 1 - Ramen
from Christian Remde on Vimeo.

Makes you want to get a bowl of ramen right now, huh?

Ramen Underground is a snug, little spot in the Financial District in SF. I actually appreciate its size as it seems to keep that beautiful smell of broth that permeates the restaurant. And, every time the door opens, you get a nice woosh of it under your nose.

There usually is a line, but you can write your name on the board and wait for your turn to be sat. Their menu is very simple and perfect. Really. Nothing crazy. Nothing confusing. Just simple, delicious and traditional ramen.

Ramen Underground, SF Image via SF NOODLES.

I decided to get miso broth, pork belly and dumplings. Okay, and extra noodles. I admit it! I don't know exactly where their noodles are from (Do you? Please share!), but they are seriously incredible. They soak the broth perfectly and have the perfect bounce and chew.

  

Ramen Underground, SF Miso broth, pork belly, dumplings. Image: Samantha Elise



So, if you find yourself wanting to try an new ramen spot and you just so happen to be in the Financial District; pop in here. I still have my list of favorites in the Bay Area, but I really feel this one tops them all.

                              I dunno. Maybe I just need to slurp more ramen just to make sure.

Ramen Underground is open Monday - Thursday from 10:30 am to 9:30 pm. Fridays, 10:30 pm to 9:30 pm and on Saturdays at 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm. They are cash only and do not take reservations. They are located at 355 Kearny St. between Bush and Pine in San Francisco. 

A Moveable Feast: A Food Truck Party In The South Bay

Moveable Feast, San Jose, Willow Glen. Image: Samantha Elise

Maybe some of you have read Ernest Hemingway's, A Moveable Feast, or have at least heard a reference to it in Woody Allen's film, Midnight in Paris. It's Hemingway's sorta memoir, sorta novel of his youthful days living in Paris that are full of despair, humor and courage of becoming a writer. I think back to when I read his book (a bajillion years ago) and remember the way he describes stories of each significant person in his bohemian lifestyle and how they touched him in some way - neurosis or not. And, in some way influenced who he became. It's a pretty magical read and there's no need to explain why it's a classic.

Ah, I need to read that book again.


"As I ate the oysters with their strong taste of the sea and their faint metallic taste that the cold white wine washed away, leaving only the sea taste and the succulent texture, and as I drank their cold liquid from each shell and washed it down with the crisp taste of the wine, I lost the empty feeling and began to be happy and to make plans."

Now I want some Tomales Bay oysters and a glass of bubbles. 





But I'm not here to talk about those. Well, not quite yet. I'm here to talk about a neat little food truck party I found in San Jose called, "Moveable Feast". It's basically gourmet comfort meets soul food meets steamed pork buns meets asian fusion meets with salted caramel cupcakes. Phew.

The Menu on Chairman Bao Food Truck. Image: Samantha Elise

Tonight was a cold night and I was surprised we didn't get the downpour I kept hearing about in San Francisco. Oh well, I'm sure it will come. I think because of the threat of rain on the horizon, it made the outcome of people looking to eat significantly smaller. I'm interested to see what it will be like in the summer!

They had little orange upside-down buckets outside in the parking lot with little fires going in metal teepees, while the food trucks were circled perfectly around it all like a hug. People brought their kids. Friends came in large groups to enjoy the smorgasbord of foods before them.

There was even a couple with their own table and romantic lighting. Note: he even bought her a flower. Good work, dear sir.

Sweeties dining at Moveable Feast, San Jose, Willow Glen. Image: Samantha Elise

My first stop was inevitable. The Chairman steamed buns. I used to see their food truck parked in the Tenderloin all the time. Oh thee days when I would scurry to work trying to avoid being hassled by hecklers, I would hope that by chance The Chairman bun truck would actually be open. I thought, "I can always stop for a bun." Alas, it was never open; just parked. What bun teasers.

Spicy chicken with toasted sesame puree, pickled carrots-cucumber and cilantro.
Image: Samantha Elise

I wasn't alone for this adventure so one little steamed bun would not suffice to our curious appetites. We came across a truck called MoBowl and they had a menu of items that are served over rice and some various sides to try, too.

Menu at MoBowl. Image: Samantha Elise

We both looked at each other and knew we were going for the 5 spice pulled pork.

5 spice pulled pork with roasted red pepper aioli and garlic-sesame noodles. MoBowl, San Jose, Willow Glen.          
Image: Samantha Elise

The lovely gentleman at the window of the truck asked if we wanted to upgrade to garlic sesame noodles for an $1. Way to get an easy buck!

Then came Fairycakes. I've been wanting to try their cupcakes for a bit now since my big cupcake hunt of 2013. This hunt got so bad that I just broke down and baked a chocolate cake.

 I know. It's only February.

 Of course I will always love Kara's Cupcakes, but I had to see what this fairy was all about.

The window of cupcakes at Fairycakes. They also offer free milk to those who buy their cupcakes.

We picked up a carrot cake, boston cream pie and a salted caramel cupcake. All were enjoyed and shared. 50/50. Promise. Scouts honor.

Fairycakes finally caught. Image: Samantha Elise

It was a neat little food truck party and I'll definitely come again to see what other coaches show up with some goodies. Some trucks take credit cards, but I would play it safe and bring cash - and for tips.

Moveable Feast offer Dinner on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 5-9 in various locations in the South Bay. They also offer lunch on Tuesday and Saturday from 11/11:30pm-2pm at various locations in the South Bay. Check their website for exact locations, dates and list of food trucks.

Delfina: Pork Sugo and Patience

If you've ever been lucky enough to pop into Delfina on Mission street, you will usually see a line of Ray Ban wearing people (even on rainy days) across the street at Bi-Rite Creamery getting their salted carmel ice cream on. I'm not judging them. No. I just want their spot in line. Gimme your ice cream.

Salted Caramel Ice Cream, Bi-Rite Creamery, San Francisco. Image: Max Falkowitz via Serious Eats

Did someone say ice cream?


Anyways, back to my story...

There were times when I would shop at Bi-Rite Market on the same block. I would try and sneak into Delfina for a table for one at either the bar or the counter for just their simple spaghetti dish after shopping. The pasta has the perfect bite, sweetness in the tomatoes and a little kick from the peperoncini. What I loved is that it comes in two sizes ($10/$15); I would always jump for the smaller portion. I mean, come on. I am grocery shopping and I plan on cooking when I get home.

Perfect, simple, the best. Spaghetti, Delfina, SF. Image: Via www.http://epicureanzealot.com

I've always been a fan of Italian cuisine whether it be a simple pasta dish or a rustic meal. I always found Delfina to be the perfect way to get my fix.



_____


But there was this one time I made it to this lovely San Francisco restaurant (reservations are so necessary) and I will never forget when that hot plate hit the table.

Pork Sugo.
Pappardelle.
Simple.
Life changing.


Soon after I had randomly ordered it that night, I realized it was #11 on the 7x7 list, The Big Eat 2012. Holy cannoli.

Pork Sugo from Delfina, SF. Image: Michael M. via Foodspotting.com

I'm not sure if they make their own pasta, but the pasta sopped up that rustic sauce so beautifully. I think at the time I got a 2009 Unti Syrah. Oh, I wish we could relive moments. I think it was just a glass or two. Yeah, just one glass. Sure.


But, I tried and looked for the recipe online - voila! NOTE: This sauce takes about 2 days. It's worth it - I promise.

Thank you 7x7, once again!

Pork Sugo from Delfina

Makes 8-10 servings

2 pounds pork butt
1/2 rack pork spareribs
Kosher salt
Black pepper
1/2 cup canola oil
3 cups sliced yellow onion
1 cup carrots, sliced on a bias
1 cup celery, sliced on a bias
3 cloves garlic, smashed
2 sprigs rosemary, leaves stripped
5 sage leaves
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 cup dry white wine
2 quarts chicken stock
3 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon chopped parsley
Pinch chile flakes, to taste
Parmigiano Reggiano, grated, to taste
2 pounds pappardelle or other fresh pasta

1. Cut the pork shoulder into 4 pieces. Season the pork shoulder and spareribs with salt and pepper. Heat the oil in a wide, heavy-bottomed pot, and add the pork. Brown well on all sides, remove the pork, and set aside.

2. To the pot add the onions, carrot, celery, garlic, and herbs, and sauté, stirring with a wooden spoon and scraping up the browned bits on the pot bottom. Add the tomato paste and cook over medium heat, stirring for 2 minutes. Deglaze with the wine and reduce by half.

3. Return the seared pork and ribs to the pot, add chicken stock, and bring to a simmer. Cover and transfer the pot to a 325-degree oven to cook until the meat is tender, approximately 2 hours. Remove from the oven, allow to cool, and refrigerate overnight.

4. The next day, discard any congealed fat. Over low heat, warm the sugo through. Remove the pork and ribs from the liquid. Pull the meat off the ribs and chop. Pull the shoulder apart by hand, discard the fat, and break the meat into large chunks.

5. Using a food mill, puree the liquid along with all of the vegetables and herbs. Return the resulting sugo to the pot, bring to a simmer, and reduce until it thickens, with good body and viscosity. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Add the meat to the pot, bring it a boil, and turn off heat.

6. To serve, in two batches, warm some of the pork sugo in a pan with the butter, chopped parsley, and chile flake (if desired). Concurrently drop the pasta in boiling, lightly salted water. When the pasta is almost fully cooked (approximately 2 minutes), drain the pasta, and add it to the pan containing the pork sugo. Cook the pasta in the sugo for another minute, and finish by stirring in some grated Parmigiano. Transfer to a serving plate, and serve immediately, offering more Parmigiano to grate over the top of the pasta.

Pasta, rosemary, mussel salad, wine, home, comfort.

Pork Sugo dinner at home, San Jose. Got a nice Il Boschetto al Tartufo: a semi-soft cheese with truffles.



J and I went to a cute little italian shop called "Bertucelli's La Villa" in the Willow Glen area of San Jose to pick up some pappardelle and cheese. We remembered how much we loved their mussel salad - nice chew, tart and taste like the ocean. Of course, we popped into BevMo! down the street to find a nice Italian red. 

So plan a few days ahead and maybe have that dinner party you've been dying to finally throw together. Hey, Valentines Day is right around the corner - why not make a nice romantic night of it at home and light the fire. (I'm so punny.)

This makes a lot of sauce, so you can always freeze leftovers. And you know what? It's the best leftovers. Ever.

Delfina is located at 3621 18th St. San Francisco, CA. They are open Sunday - Thursday from 5:30-10:00pm. Friday - Saturday from 5:30-11:00pm. Reservations are suggested.

Hooker’s Sweet San Francisco Treats

    Valentine’s Day: it’s a day that some dread and for some it’s a day with high expectations to
get something for your significant other and hopefully not a stupid teddy bear. However, for some
who just love to eat and find any holiday as an excuse to indulge - Valentine’s Day is just a day of
trying many sweet treats.

    To switch up the normal box of chocolates wrapped up in a typical velvet red box, why not
switch up the normal go-to options for some sugary goodness? Even if it’s not for someone else,
treat yourself and you may be happy you did. I did just that. Keeping it local (not like Portlandia
style), I decided to pop in at the little shop on Hyde Street at O’Farrell in San Francisco. Sure the
neighborhood is sketchy, but once you enter it’s like a whole different world.

    As you walk in, the setting is full of cool blues and nostalgic music that sets you back into
the soul era of the 50’s - even if you didn’t exist in that era. David “Hooker” Williams opened his
shop on Hyde Street in the cold summer of 2010 and it has seemed to prosper as a local gem. He
is mostly known for his delightfully, chewy salted caramels that go stupendously with coffee
poured from Sightglass. There are also various expresso concoctions if you so wish. I was full of
coffee already from my walk so today I had the chance to try the oh-so popular bread pudding:
Strawberry-Chocolate Chip.

    Served in a small bowl, the bread pudding is surrounded by a pool of caramel sauce that has
the perfect ratio of brown-hue to buttery burnt sugar. I thought I really couldn’t finish that sauce
and I totally proved myself wrong. A woman across from me at their communal table questioned
me on how the bread pudding was. All I could do was smile with that buttery caramel sauce on
my lips - I’m childish like that. I blame the sugar.

Pool of warm caramel sauce and drowning pecans. Bread pudding, Hooker's, SF.

    The toasted pecans were a nice touch; it helped with the bouncy texture of the breadpudding and the sweet sauce. This dessert was not overbearing with strawberries and chocolate, but was the perfect marriage.This morning there were plenty of men coming in and grabbing some of Hooker’s packaged chocolates for their significant others. What a good idea! High five!

    If you ever find yourself in the area, don’t give up on the chance of popping in and just giveit a try. Grab a friend (or even your sweetie!) and chew on some of the salted caramels prepareddaily or anything else that is on the chalkboard when you enter. The service is welcoming and warm so don’t forget to tip!

You can even get your leaded beverage to go. They pour Sightglass, SF.

          Hooker’s Sweet Treats is located at 442 Hyde at O’Farrell in San Francisco. They are open
                 Tuesday - Friday from 8 am to 4 pm and Sayurday - Sunday from 10 am to 2 pm.