Joey Recommends - Sam's Chowder House

Sean wanted to take a little drive in his new wheels so we took a little excursion down to Half Moon Bay to this restaurant that his new co-worker, Marya, recommended. I had no idea where we were going so I was completely in the dark. It wasn't until we pulled into the parking lot did I know our destination was Sam's Chowder House. I just like the look and feel of the place because it just seems so rustic. The parking lot was full, which was a good sign because who would flock to bad food?

There was a choice of sitting outside or inside. Even though there were heat lamps outside we decided to dine within the comforts of the walls and roof. We made it in time to grab the last available table by the window, which offered a great view of the beach and surrounding area.

There were so many selections on the menu that it was very difficult to choose. We decided to order our "go to" items because we normally select them and it would be interesting to compare. So with that said, to start we decided to get oysters on the half shell which were all so fresh and delicious. We selected the: Fanny Bay, Steamboat, Kumamoto and Marin Miyagi. Of the four my favorite was the Kumamoto. It was the most diminutive of the four but it was the best. Next we each had the chowder. I opted for the Manhattan Clam Chowder while Sean selected the classic New England clam chowder. I liked my chowder with its steaming hot broth and chunky pieces of potatoes. By the way, the sourdough bread they provided was so good it was almost as if it were from Boudin's Bakery. Maybe it was?

For our main course we had their well renowned lobster roll. In 2007, NBC's Today Show anointed their lobster roll as one of the "Top Five Sandwiches in America." This sandwich did not disappoint. The lobster itself was presented in big tender pieces that were not drowned in mayonnaise or dresssing. Instead it was treated lightly with melted butter and herbs. It was served on a nice little buttery roll. The chips that came with the sandwich were ok and I've had better coleslaw.

For dessert we shared a soft serve sundae topped with nuts, chocolate, and cherries. I would have liked to try my own dessert but we were so stuffed that there was no possible way we could have more food! I was eyeing their ice cream sandwich and saw that the lady in the next table ordered one and it looked scrumptious. Something to look forward to because we will be back!

Sam's Chowder House
4210 N Cabrillo Hwy
Half Moon Bay, CA 94019

(650) 712-0245 | Website | Reservations

Joey Recommends - Poc-Chuc

Poc-Chuc is a little hole-in-the-wall gem! I've never had Mayan fusion food so I was extremely excited to see what it was all about. Walking in I was taken aback by how the decor was really bare-bones but in reality it demonstrated how this experience would be the real deal without all the flash.

For starters we shared the "appetizer sampler" which was amazing. Of the five items on the plate my favorites were the empanada and the salbute. The tortillas are obviously freshly made because it truly makes a difference. And thank goodness they provided a small stack of tortillas and refried beans on the side. I couldn't get enough!

For my main entree I ordered the seared duck breast topped with orange-honey sauce & served with sauted Napa cabbage and mashed potatoes. I'm a big duck fan and this particular duck was seared to perfection, leaving an extremely moist breast meat. And the cabbage was also prepared excellently.

I heard that the slow braised chicken thigh is a crowd pleaser so we'll definitely be back for more! Also they do not have a liquor license so you can bring your own wine and there is no corkage fee! Great deal, huh? You can bring a bottle of two buck chuck or a fine pinot noir of your choice. Poc Chuc is definitely a repeat in my book!

Poc-Chuc

2886 16th Street
San Francisco, CA 94103-3634

(415) 558-1583 | website

Joey Recommends - Icing on the Cake

While in Los Gatos for Karolyn & Kevin’s wedding, Sean & I stumbled upon this pastry shop called Icing on The Cake centrally located in the city’s downtown. It’s a cute little shop and we were instantly won over by the charming sign outside. We both have a sweet tooth so we definitely had to try it out.

Upon entering the shop I was taken by the whimsical colors and eye catching signs for all their products. It really seemed like a sweet haven. The showcase had a myriad of cookies, cakes, cupcakes, bars, and muffins to try. I wanted to sample each and every one of them but that would not have been possible. The wedding was the following day and we didn’t want to bulge out of our tuxedoes, so we didn’t want to overdo it. Plus we didn’t want to ruin our appetites for the rehearsal dinner that night.

The lady behind the counter seemed genuinely friendly and more than happy to answer all our questions and make recommendations. We ended up picking up three things to share: the lemon poppyseed shortbread cookie, a chocolate dee-luxe cookie, and a caramel miranda bar. We ended up saving it and having them after we got back to the hotel from the rehearsal dinner. All three were scrumptious with buttery goodness!

Before leaving Los Gatos we had to make one more pilgrimage to Icing on The Cake and pick some treats to bring back home to enjoy. In the early morning we made our way to the shop and was once again tasked with deciding what to select! For breakfast the next day we decided to pick up a couple of cinnamon rolls. And for future consumption over the next several days we also purchased two each of the swirly cake, chocolate buttermilk cupcake, classic vanilla cupcake, and red velvet cupcake. The server highly recommended the banarama cake so I decided to pick up a slice for my Mom since she likes bananas. Anyway, the swirly cake is their version of hostess’ chocolate cupcake with cream filling and white swirly icing on the top, hence the name. However, this version is so much better. Like all the other cupcakes, this one is extremely moist and each bite brings you that much closer to nirvana. And sinking your teeth into and eating that cinnamon roll was pure bliss.

If Los Gatos wasn’t so far we’d be frequenting this place a lot. Actually, maybe it’s a good idea that it’s not close to us. But if we ever have reason to be in Los Gatos, like to visit Kevin’s wonderful Mom Pam, we will have to make sure that we drop by Icing on The Cake and get more treats!

Check out their website at: icingonthecakebakery.com

Icing on the Cake

50 W. Main Street

Los Gatos, CA 95050

408-354-2464 | Website

Joey Recommends - AQUA

For Sean's birthday we, along with Raquel, went to Aqua, voted one of the five most beautiful restaurants in San Francisco by Michael Bauer on SFGate.com. Aqua is definitely eye pleasing with the simple lines, the subtle colors, artwork, and oversized mirrors hanging on the wall. We started off with an amuse bouche trio compliments of the chef. The teaser consisted of duck gyoza, a salsa soup, and a croquette.

We had the option of proceeding with three courses or seven. Although the seven courses were tempting, the offerings found on the regular menu won us over. It was difficult to select from the appetizer list because we wanted to try each and every single one of them. Ultimately Sean opted for the foie gras terrine, Raquel the Maine diver scallop with sweetbread ravioli, english peas, and chantrelle mushrooms, and I chose the hamachi with charred pineapple. Of course we tried each other’s selections. The foie gras was accompanied by these toast points with a hint of orange marmalade. It was the perfect pairing with the smooth and buttery foie gras! Presentation wise Raquel’s was the prettiest and in the satisfaction department, it did not disappoint. My hamachi was so fresh and with the sweet tartness of the pineapple, it was perfection!

For our entree, Sean went with the Maine lobster with english peas, heirloom carrots. Raquel had the John Dory with pork belly and leek fondue. I had difficulty picking between the salmon with cardoon and white bean terrine and prosciutto and the halibut with Artichoke, Fennel, Saffron Fumet. Ultimately I decided on the former. Again, we sampled each other’s entrees and of the three, my favorite was Sean’s fare. The lobster was perfectly cooked and the vegetables complimented it sublimely.

The last course was dessert and again it was tough to pick! As it turns out, there were six selections and we ended up ordering the odd numbered items, because we are such an odd bunch! Anyway, Sean found himself gravitating to the carmel soufflé. Raquel’s interest was piqued by the citrus parfait with lemon curd and orange ganache. And I selected the dark chocolate pear tart with almond custard and honey ice cream. I liked mine but wasn’t terribly thrilled by it. I would have liked more crust on my tart and the pear was the obvious focal point in that dessert. On this round the winner goes to Raquel because, as per our server, this one was actually the most “chocolate-y” on the list. And that chocolate went so well with all the citrus notes in the dessert.

In the end were happy to have selected the three courses, not only because of the amazing food, but because we were absolutely stuffed! Aqua proves that fine dining can be satisfying! Definitely a keeper!

AQUA

252 California St
(between Front St & Battery St)
San Francisco, CA 94111

Website | Reservations | (415) 956-9662 

Joey Recommends - Paxti's Pizza

After our excursion at the King Tut exhibit in Golden Gate Park, we were looking forward to having pizza at Paxti's Pizza in Hayes Valley. The near hour walk definitely helped build our appetite. Anyway, once there we were welcomed with the friendliest of greetings and the glorious smell of pizza! Our server was very outgoing, helpful, and made us feel at home.

We started off with the antipasto plate which came with olives, grapes, crackers and a choice of three meats. From the list we selected Spanish chorizo, aged prosciutto, and Genovese salami. It was a nice little start to our lunch.

Next we had the salad wedge with fresh, crisp iceberg lettuce topped with bleu cheese dressing, tomatoes and bacon. This was a very refreshing interlude while we waited for our pizza.

Paxti's is renowned for their Chicago style pizza so we had to try it! We were wrestling between getting a 10” for 2 or 12” for 3 people because we love bringing home leftovers to enjoy at home. After some serious consideration, we decided on just getting a 10” pie with three toppings: Italian sausage, mushrooms, and kalamata olives. They do have specialty pizzas but we wanted to build our own. It took about thirty minutes so the antipasto plate and salad were a good way to keep us happy. When the pizza finally got to our table I was pleasantly surprised at the size of this little monster. Our server dished it out for us and I was happy to see all the cheesy goodness ooze from the pie. The pizza was cut into six sections but we could only finish one each. It was that filling! The crust was perfectly made, there was the perfect amount of sauce, and a generous enough amount of toppings.

The only things that I wish they had were a bigger selection of appetizers and some sort of dessert to satisfy my sweet tooth. Other than that, this was a very good experience and we will definitely come back again. Next time I’d like to give their thin crust pizza a shot!

Paxti's Chicago Pizza
511 Hayes Street
San Francisco, CA

Sun - Wed 11am - 10pm, Thurs - Sat 11am - 10:30pm

Website | 415-558-9991

Joey Recommends - Triptych

Triptych exudes so much charm that I couldn't help but really fall for it. First of all the food is excellent. I had the pork osso bucco with garbanzo beans and crispy pancetta. The meat was extremely tender and delicious. Another must have at this restaurant are the sweet potato fries which are crispy but not oily. The secret is that they are double fried! As for dessert I indulged myself in the warm chocolate molten cake, which was everything you could ask a warm chocolate molten cake to be! Pure gooey goodness!

The service was nothing less than excellent. Our waitress was very attentive and engaging. And I just love the decor of this place down to the disco themed bathroom. There's nothing like going to the bathroom with Charlie's Angels. I would definitely go back here when I'm in the area and in need of food.

Triptych
1155 Folsom Street (Between 7th and 8th)
San Francisco, CA 94103

415-703-0579

Website | Reservations