The Pump Room - Bath - England

The Pump Room, Stall Street, Bath, BA1 1LZ, Tel: +44 (0)1225 477785



Shedding light on Quiz Question # 4.


This is the centre of Bath, and that is the City's old Abbey, the last great Gothic Church built in England. If you look more closely, you will see a Roman-style building to the right of the picture. This accounts for the crowds. Bath, in paticular its Roman Spa, is a top British tourist destination. The wait to see the beautiful ancient baths can be over an hour long at popular times.

If the thought of waiting that long in a queue makes you feel faint with hunger, you could always skip the history lesson* and have lunch at The Spa's Pump Room instead. (*If this is your once in a lifetime visit to Bath, I would actually recommend that you get there early, do the Spa tour and then take lunch afterwards.)

Waiting for a table at The Pump Room which was originally built as an orangery and opened in 1795.

Enjoy live music whilst you dine. If the famous Pump Room Trio aren't playing on your visit, you will be treated to the tunes of a solo pianist instead. We were unfortunately too early for afternoon tea, so we decided to have lunch. The menu included some good deal set menu options as well as A la Carte choices. I was happy to see that there was an emphasis on local ingredients, British recipes and even a wine from the area, the 'not at all bad' Mumford's White 2001.

Oak Smoked Salmon with Horseradish Blinis, Lemon and Cracked Pepper £6.95. The salmon was a perfect, dense orange, rich, buttery, silky, thick ribbon of succulent fish. Unfortunately the blini was buried under a huge, bland, flavourless(save for the small sliver of horseradish here and there), sickly mound of mayonnaise that added nothing to the plate. I removed the offending dressing to one side and enjoyed the fish unadulterated, save for a zingy squirt of fresh lemon and welcome little burst of saltiness from the shiny black roe.

Bath Sausages with Herb Creamed Potatoes and Red Onion Gem Ale Sauce (part of a set £15.75 2-course set lunch). My dad made a very good choice. He teased me by letting me taste a forkful. The combination of textures, smooth and creamy potatoes, crispy, crunchy onions and flavourful, meaty sausages all enhanced by a delicious gravy made for a lunch plate that displayed the best of simple British cuisine.

Warm Field Mushroom Pastry with Thyme, Garlic, Cream and Truffle Oil £9.95
I couldn't resist the sound of this tart which is related to a recipe I make regularly at home. I couldn't have done it better myself. It is so easy to overdo it these days, but this version was not in the slightest bit heavy handed with the truffle oil. The glistening mushrooms were plump and earthy against the dry, crunchy pastry softened by the delicate, herby cream sauce.

Dessert was less of a hit not least because the accompanying ice cream, containing little lumps of sugary biscuit and toffee, dramatically battled with the tart for attention. A good, plain, not too sweet scoop of vanilla would have made a far better companion.

The one thing you must do, whether you just pass straight through the Pump Room after your Roman Bath tour, or actually stop for a meal there, is try a glass of the spa water containing 43 minerals. It tastes a little bit funky so I asked the water server if anyone actually drank it for sheer pleasure. She replied "Some people actually finish their glasses but no one has ever actually said that they like it".
And although it has got nothing to do with food, if you are ever in Bath you must check out Pulteney Bridge. It is one of only four in the world lined by shops on both sides and is quite spectacular in a quaint olde worlde kind of way.

posted in Food and Restaurants and Bath and England

The Pump Room - Bath - England

Seeking Sun

San Francisco couple require relaxing break, away from it all, for Memorial Day Weekend. Computer-free environment preferred. Bonus if no blogging is involved. Dining with a female chef is a consideration, but not obligatory.

Seeking Sun

The Charm of the Irish, to be sure

Ireland Avoca at Powerscourt, Enniskerry, Wicklow Tel: +353 1 204 6066 Cafe:+353 1 204 6070, the answer to Quiz Question #3


This is a photograph of Powerscourt House, just south of Dublin, the back of which overlooks the Sugarloaf Mountain and the Wicklow Hills. When my little sister, Beccy, moved near here over ten years ago to raise her young family, this Stately Home, ravaged by a 70's fire, was no more than a shell. The estate would always attract visitors, though, for it's beautiful gardens.



As Beccy's family has grown, so Powerscourt House has been rebuilt. Every time I visit, I am happy to spend some of my time in this place. I love it. It has many happy memories of me watching my nephews and niece as they grow up. And just in case you think I've forgotten what this blog is meant to be about, let me tell you the the Avoca Cafe, inside the house, has some quite stunning food on display.


It's huge! Just look at the size of that pie. Click on the picture to get a full faceful.


If nothing else, I would take a dessert over savoury at the Avoca Cafe. Look at the banoffi pie in the middle. It's enormous, the biscuit crust is almost as deep as a regular pie. These dishes make American-sized portions look wimpy in comparison.



They even sell Mars Bar Cake which just happens to be one of Beccy's favourite things to make at home. I haven't cooked it, myself, in a while, although I made quite a few friends with it when I first came to the States. I'll ask her if she'll mind me sharing her recipe with all of you some time. Perched on top, there is a little shortbread-man...


...which, despite his trying to hide the fact, my youngest nephew seemed to quite enjoy.

Avoca is a family-run company that started as a Mill over 280 years ago. Read their history here. Today the company is still thriving and in addition to the Cafes, they have the most wonderful array of small boutiques. At Powerscourt, the shopping experience is unique as Avoca spread into a maze of rooms inside the house, each one dedicated to a different collection.

One room is filled with soaps and things that smell nice. Others sell beautiful clothes. The largest room sells their signature handwoven rugs and beautiful baskets. My sister sent me a gorgeous orange basket last Christmas which I use every time I shop at the farmers market.



There is a room full of things for the children and another that sells candies, chocolates and Jams like the one I brought back as a gift for Alice. Although Avoca don't make everything they sell, the goods they source are all top quality and usually colourful. It took a lot of willpower for me not to buy everything on display in their kitchen accessories section, there wouldn't have been enough room in my suitcase. Still, I couldn't resist finding space for this vivid little set of egg cups.



If you find yourself in Ireland, and you are looking for a decent Cafe lunch and a wide range of gifts for others or, more importantly, yourself do try and find time to visit Avoca in at least one of their locations.

posted in Food and Restaurants and Ireland and Shops

The Charm of the Irish, to be sure

Answer to Quiz Question #2

Less regular readers may not be aware that I recently staged an epic quiz on my site. Unfortunately, for most readers, the questions proved a little difficult, although we do have a Winner with a perfect score of 100. Over the next couple of weeks I will be revisiting the quiz and revealing the answers one at a time.



My second question was about my featured Bay Area Blogger of the Week. Normally I reveal who it is, but for the purposes of the competition I left a few clues and hoped contestants would be able to find it in my blog roll.

The answer was Vivi's Wine Journal run by a local couple. Their is raison d'etre is this:
We've spent the better part of the last 12 years learning, tasting, and adventuring with wine. We have traveled to various wine regions but we consider ourselves "brought up" on California wine and really prefer the "New World" wines that often stand on their own. We consider ourselves part of a new generation of wine drinkers because you'll notice that if you've picked up wine as a hobby in the last 10 - 15 years then you're probably like us - raised on New World wines and prefer them to Old World classics.
Although I think I actually prefer the Old World Classics, I like their journal because it is down to earth, easy to read and nicely laid out. It's a place where people who are interested in wine, but are not totally confident in their ability to taste it yet, can hang out without feeling uncomfortable. If you didn't find them before, check them out now.

posted in Wine and Blogging and Bay Area

Answer to Quiz Question #2

If you are what you eat, Jen is on her way to being a Saint!

Head over to Life Begins @ 30 this week where Jen is writing a unique and wonderful series of posts in which she questions everything she eats. It makes a fascinating and educational read. Check it out.
posted in Food and Blogging and San Francisco

If you are what you eat, Jen is on her way to being a Saint!

The Ramp - 855 China Basin - San Francisco

Let me share with you the answer to my recent Quiz, Question # 1

I think Fred loves the taste of these curly fries as much as dislike them. They certainly look stunning. I can't even begin to work how they cut the potatoes like that. It just isn't natural. Although they are not my thing, there are plenty of other good reasons to visit The Ramp, one of our favourite spots to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon in San francisco, hanging out with friends and Margaritas over a very late brunch. As the temperature heats up, so do the patrons of this relaxed China Basin watering hole, as they enjoy the sunshine and the live music. Braver souls might get up and dance for a tune or two whilst less lively visitors just nod their heads, along to the beat. There is something everyone has in common, a big collective smile. The Ramp is all about relaxing, chilling and having fun.


Colourful deck umbrellas offer respite from the heat.


The deck juts out towards a jetty lined with sailing boats. There are views over the water to the East Bay.


It has to be said I am not the biggest fan of The Ramp's menu, which features, burgers, egg dishes and huge salads amongst its large list of choices. Whenever Fred suggests we go there, (more often since we moved within walking distance), my nose wrinkles up as I pull an ugly little face that illustrates acute dissatisfaction with the suggestion. It always takes me a few minutes to reconcile thoughts about the fun I will have there with the disappointment I will feel about the food, especially when I am *trying* to be healthier with my choices.
My California style Eggs Benedict is just ok. The uncrispy potatoes taste recooked and the English muffins have been rendered fully soggy by the decent-flavoured but too juicy mushroom, leek and wine topping. The poached eggs are perfectly cooked but the chef is over generous with the Hollandaise which collects in a large pool on the bottom of the plate, further guaranteeing that the bread base is nothing but mush.


Ian and Fred take the burger with those dizzy, loopy fries on the side. Fred likes the burger, he tells me it is better than average. But still, it doesn't call my name.


Ian wanted a fried egg on his burger. They could only serve it on the side. He specifically requested I immortalize it in a picture. It doesn't look too bad. Maybe next time I just get one of those and and a toasted muffin so I can assemble my own Fried Egg Sandwich. Erhhmmmm, only when I am not on a health kick, of course.


Talking of health kicks, you can, of course, order your burger without any cheese and dressed with a crisp salad instead of the less healthy option.


I love the industrial view from the ramp as well as Mr & Mrs Goose with their cute little brood of ducklings that live on the bank just beyond the balcony.

Drinks are well-priced and generous at The Ramp. Margaritas and Bloody Marys look to be the most popular but I always go for a glass of the Gloria Ferrer Brut. It's not the best sparkling wine in the world, but it is a perfectly acceptable Sunday afternoon pick-me-up. I'll let you into a little secret. At the Ramp it is just $5.50 a glass. That would be a large wine glass full (no teeny little flutes here), making it into one of the best value sparklers in town.

No reservations.
Wait times for a table can be in the region of an hour.
Waiter service stops at 4pm and is replaced by a BBQ on Summer weekends. (Very restricted menu.)

855 China Basin
San Francisco, CA 94107
(415) 621-2378

(click on any of the photos to enlarge to full size)
posted in Food and Restaurants and San Francisco and Tried+Tested

The Ramp - 855 China Basin - San Francisco

We Have a Winner!

I am happy to announce the winner of my recent quiz to win a $60 Amazon Voucher.
Congratulations to Ced of Le Blog de San Francisco who got every answer correct and was the closest to guessing the tiebreaker too.

Commiserations to my two runners-up. Yes, how pathetic is that, I only had three entries. (Meaning my quiz must have been pathetic, not my readers, of course). The non-winners were both so, so close getting just three questions 'not quite right' between them. The second prize of a copy of Ruth Reichl's latest book goes to Teri. And because Linda of Kayak Soup was pipped at the post by a mere whisker, I have decided to award her a small prize too.(To be decided.)

Thank you for taking part! I will reveal the answers, one at a time, over the next few weeks in my posts.



Ruth teased me, I wanted more
It took me over half of the book to warm to Ruth. I felt too many times she built up a scenario and left me hanging, wanting to know more. I was desperate to find out what happened... If there was ever any comeback from the obnoxious charity couple? How the Dan, the lawyer from LA who she duped on a date with her sexiest Chloe disguise, reacted to finding out he had in fact been dining with the NYT critic he had described as an 'idiot'? What the Chinese restaurant who had diligently faxed menus back & forth felt when Ruth was forced to unceremoniously dump them for some other venue, despite their going to so much effort to please her?
It is a light, entertaining read and charming enough. But my appetite was whetted and I craved more gritty details.

posted in Food and Books and Restaurants

We Have a Winner!

The Chowhound's Guide to the San Francisco Bay Area

Published by Penguin, $18. Tonight there is a Book Signing Event in Berkeley with Jim Leff. Details at the bottom of this post.


I am not quite sure why the thought popped into my head, but the very first thing that struck me when I flicked through my copy of The Chowhound's Guide to the San Francisco Bay was that it didn't include A16. There isn't a Best Pizza argument in town without mention of this well-loved Campanian spot in the Marina. That, despite the rave reviews A16 receives regularly on the Chowhound boards, it wasn't included perplexed me. My biggest fear, that the guide would be seriously dated, before it was even published, has not been allayed by what I have found in the book so far. A16 opened on Valentines Day 2004, over a year before the book's publication. So could it be that the every tip on its pages is well over a year old? Patricia Unterman's San Francisco Food Lover's Guide published earlier in the year managed to include A16, why then did The Chowhound Guide fail to do so?

Jim Leff, Chowhound's creator, includes a long disclaimer covering this kind of question in the book's introduction. "Don't trust this book", he says. He even describes all of the food tips themselves as "iffy". This is one point on which I agree with him and it leads me to wonder if this book has much use or value at all to the casual user.

The format of the book is a visual mess and difficult to navigate, just like the Chowhound website itself. I did discover some real gems of information like Melanie Wong's important message about duck juice but more often than not I was just confused.

Boulangeries de Cole and Polk, don't get a mention in the book's Monster Bakery Crawl although they pop up briefly under a heading about homemade potato chips. I have been to Russian Hill branch of this French-style bakery dozens of times and not once seen a potato chip. They are often recommended on Chowhound, particularly for their macarons, their cannelles and their madeleines. Why on earth were they left out of the bakery section?

21st Ammendment is a Brewpub that gets good feedback on Chowhound. It still didn't make it to the list under that heading, despite the fact Rosamunde's Sausage Grill did. Funny that, because the only alcohol you might find in this great little hot dog take-out spot would probably be in the form of vinegar.

Chowhounding in Bernal Heights misses out one of the area's darlings, The Blue Plate (although it does get a brief nod in the Eating at the Bar section instead). Mi Lindo Peru and Emmy's don't get a mention either, despite being two good reasons to visit the Bernal area. The Good Life Grocery, a good 5 or more minute drive away in Potrero Hill inexplicably does make it to the list, however. The Chowhound editors need a lesson in geography.

In another section inaccurately titled Chowhounding in Sausalito which only has two entries, one of the mentions is in fact miles away at Muir Beach.

The complimentary adjectives chosen to describe Chowhound's Crepe section are fragile and chewy. At this point, I have to confess I haven't got a clue what they are talking about. If they had included some good words, here, about Ti Couz I may have given them the benefit of the doubt. But since the best creperie in town only makes it under the Best Salad and French Bistro headings I am beginning to think the Chowhound editors must have a screw loose.

Why even bother mentioning Fish & Chips? It's hard enough getting a good version in Britain, let alone in San Francisco. But the Chowhound Guide manages to find no less than eight places they deem worthy of a mention, even though there seems to be little confidence that any of them actually serve really good food. Good food is the only thing that Chowhound purports to be interested in so why waste space on places that don't make the mark.

The book contains more discrepancies, anomalies and strange choices, you get the idea. But I think the main problem is the layout. Aside from the most loyal of Chowhounders, I think the more general public just won't get it. I don't think people will be prepared to make the investment (time or money) needed to find the good bits amongst the chaos.

Guide books are of less use in an internet age when you can find many, more recently updated, opinions on food and restaurants online. Citysearch, Yelp, Evite, Chowhound, Egullet and personal food blogs like this one are all online forums where any computer-savvy member of the public can register their opinons about food as well as read those of other people. Travellers who are obsessed with food will check their dining choices online before they travel, using Chowhound if they are really savvy. Tourists will continue to use Zagat or a general City Guide and I bet you they will still have a good time in San Francisco. Locals will more likely use Unterman's book which seems to capture the spirit of San Francisco and, in contrast, is a joy to read and navigate.

The Chowhound Guide book was published in order to try and make money to pay for Chowhound's dinasour website which is danger of collapsing under the weight of its own success. After studying the mish mash of entries I fear its appeal is so limited that the book might be a precursor to its demise instead. Perhaps the party is drawing to a close and it's time to go home and reflect on what a good time we all had whilst it lasted.

If you want to meet the "Big Dog" Jim Leff in person and ask him about some of the questions I've raised you can do so tonight where he will be signing copies of the guide at Cody's on Telegraph Avenue in Berkeley at 7:30 PM.

Read another local blogger's opinion about the Chowhound and Unterman guides. *Including bonus comments by Jim Leff himself.*

posted in Food and Restaurants and Bay Area and Chowhound and San Francisco

The Chowhound's Guide to the San Francisco Bay Area

Slammed - San Francisco Restaurant Critics

If you have 30 minutes to spare and somewhat of an obsessive interest in Bay Area food writing, check out Phillip Innes' Critical Analaysis of Bay Area Restaurant Critics on the Slammed website. Slammed is the restaurant business magazine that describes itself as a juggernaut with a heart.

I know I should be more careful, but I almost wish Mr Innes would pen an equivalent article about Blog food writers too. Although terrified at the prospect of him ripping my restaurant critiques to shreds, at the same time I think I would benefit from some feedback. It would certainly be cheaper than signing up for a food writing course.

Thanks to Ced for bringing this piece to my attention.

posted in Food and Restaurants and San Francisco

Slammed - San Francisco Restaurant Critics

$60 Prize. Quiz Deadline Today. More Entries Needed.

You may think my quiz to win a $60 Amazon voucher is difficult, but really it is not. You have until midnight tonight, PST, to get your entries in. At the very least, shoot me a quick email and have a go at the tie-breaker. The closest guess will win a copy of Ruth Reichl's new book, Garlic & Sapphires, regardless of how many questions are answered.*

For details of how to enter, look here.



little pea tartlets recipe from Donna Hay Magazine, Issue 11

posted in Food
(*Only one prize per person. In the event the overall winner also has the closest overall tiebreaker guess, the runners-up prize will go to the next closest person.)

Surprise Visit: Will Fergus Henderson be dropping in to San Francisco restaurant, Incanto, tomorrow night for their special Dining from Head to Tail meal?

$60 Prize. Quiz Deadline Today. More Entries Needed.

Bay Area Blogger of the Week # 8 Nosheteria

I have recently become aware of the term Bourgie [boo-zhee]. Apparently there is a Bourgie revolution going on in Berkeley and it started at Nosheteria.



Adrienne Handler is fledgling food writer and as such, she naturally has a blog. Although she wants nothing to do with snapping pictures at fancy places like Fleur de Lys, Adrienne is happy to share recipes and and musings on food. I particularly like her photographs, espcially those illustrating her recent post about The Ideal Egg. Check out the colour of that fabulous yolk!

posted in Food and Bay Area and Blogging and San Francisco

Bay Area Blogger of the Week # 8 Nosheteria

Calendar Update

Keeping up with all the online Food and Wine Blogging Community Events is a logistical nightmare. Let me try and help you out.

• My Quiz to Win a $60 Amazon voucher deadline May 22nd.
  
• Still time to sign up for the wonderful Shuna's Eggbeater Custard Class to be held at my pad on Wednesday night. Complimentary pizza and drinks provided by me.
  
• Sugar High Friday 8, Citrus, deadline today (or tomorrow) at My Adventures in the Breadbox.
  
• IMBB 15, Has My Blogged Jelled over at Elise's Simply Recipes. Deadline Sunday 22nd May.
  
• Dine & Dish 2 Queen of Cuisine deadline is the end of the month.
  
• Another end-of the-month event which is simply not to be missed, is EOMEOTE. Jeanne usually has all the details about where to send your egg on toast post.
  
• Blog Appetit 3 Fraises & Rhubarbe, en Francais, rendez-vous sur mon anniversaire.
  
• Wine Blogging Wednesday 10 White Pinot, again hosted at Adventures in the Breadbox. Deadline June 8th.
  
• Last but not least, check Tomatilla for the next Paper Chef which should take place some time around the beginning of June.
  
  
  Announcement: Ronald (Love Sicily) has, for a while, hosted Does My Blog Look Good in This, a food photography meme, over at the Is My Blog Burning website. He needs to hand it off to a new and different host each month. Are you a new blogger on the scene with a love of photography, time to commit to this project and new visitors to welcome to your site? Yes? Then maybe this is the task for you. Don't make light of what is being asked of you. It will be hard work, but hopefully it will also reap many rewards. Find out details of how to apply here.
  

posted in Food and Blogging and IMBB and EOMEOTE and Blog Appetit and WBW and SHF and Paper Chef and DMBLGIT

Calendar Update

Flytrap - Folsom Street - Downtown - San Francisco

Flytrap 606 Folsom Street, San Francisco, CA 94107 (415) 243-0580



This review, in which I am eating my way around San Francisco in alphabetical order, was published first for SFist and is hence written in their style, using the royal we...

Have you heard any buzz about Flytrap? It is hardly a new restaurant, having been around, in one location or another, since 1898. We first discovered it when we lived just a couple of blocks away. The very first time we visited we were the only two in the restaurant, for the entire evening, and we thought we'd stumbled across a complete dud. But the food and sevice in particular was good enough to draw us back and discover we are not the only ones who like to hang out there. We have been semi-regulars ever since.

Flytrap is classic in style. The yellowed walls are papered with old diagramatic prints separated by faux frames, crisp white cloths adorn the tables, there are fresh flowers everywhere, candles flicker at every setting and unusually-shaped, beautiful white china makes a stunning backdrop for your food. If you are feeling romantic, Fytrap will enhance your mood, especially if you visit between Tuesday and Saturday when live music, courtesy of a grand piano and maybe even a singer, will accompany your meal. Perhaps you will be asked if you would care for a little decoration? As your eyebrows wrinkle up to create a look of puzzlement at the question, handfuls of fresh rose petals are gently scattered on the table in front of you causing you relax into a warm smile. It feels nice here. A basket of tasty hot breads, swathed in a starched white napkin, with a dinky little spheroid of butter, is promptly delivered by the waitstaff who are perfectly turned out, beautifully dressed and some of the friendliest and most accomodating in town.

If you are not currently in the throes of a love fest, do not let these sweet little touches put you off. The clientele is mixed. Single business travellers, familys, groups of friends and co workers from Downtown all meet here to sample the traditional menu in a calm, welcoming atmosphere.

Since we moved away from the neighbourhood we have been literally craving Flytrap's Limestone Lettuce Salad with Pecans and Roquefort well priced at just under the $10 mark. This is our absolute favourite salad in town, bar none. The quality is consistently perfect. Imagine a whole, vibrant, soft buttery lettuce, dressed with a light and transparent lemon vinaigrette then sprinkled with a few toasted nuts and crumbles of blue-veined cheese. The leaves taste so fresh, we've wondered whether they actually grow the the plants in their kitchen. We used to think a Live Gourmet butter lettuce was as good as it could get, but the Flytrap version makes those you can buy in a supermarket taste like an old piece of leather in comparison.

The rest of the menu is a mixed bag. The glass of Bordeaux we always order often has to be sent back for a non-corked version. Less pricey dishes like the cheese tortelloni are small but filling, super-rich and satisfying only if you have complete disregard for your levels of cholesterol. (Luckily we know someone who has such a disregard and he always spares us one glorious, decadent taste of these cheesiest of pasta parcels, if we politely ask). Another dish we opt for often is the rustic, steaming, skillet of pan-roasted mussels and clams in a piping-hot briny, garlicky broth with even more of the unctuous bulb smothering the accompanying toast points. Larger entree dishes such as fish of the day or the steak are less appealing to us. Not only might they make the dinner ultra-expensive, they just never seem to perpetuate the excitement we feel about choosing from the cheaper, more appealing list of appetizers, salads and appetizers. The sides of creamed spinach, unfortunately an extra cost-wise, are a wonderfully moreish and tasty addition to the lighter plates but would probably be too much if you ordered with an entry. In the past some of the specials have been less than stellar, including an heirloom salad made of unripe tomatoes and a piece of sea bass that was more cooked than it should have been.

Eating at Flytrap can get very expensive quickly, but it needn't if you choose carefully. We recently recommended it to some friends who took their baby with them for dinner. We are not sure we would actually recommend this place for babies, but they were thankful, later, we'd suggested somewhere with such understanding employees. Our friends found the food better than average and they had nothing but praise for the staff, who by all accounts sprung into heroic action, when their tiny son decided it would be a good idea to projectile vomit that delicious spinach all over the pristine white table cloth.

Well, what can we say? Stick to the Limestone Salad and you can't fail to go wrong? I am sure if the little lad had been fed our favourite lettuce starter instead, he wouldn't have been letting anyone else get their hands anywhere near it whatsoever!

Lunch: Monday-Friday 11:30 - 4:30 pm
Dinner: Monday-Friday 4:30 - 10:00 pm
Saturday 5:30 - 10:30 pm
Dress Code: Casually Elegant

posted in Food and Restaurants and San Francisco and Tried+Tested

Flytrap - Folsom Street - Downtown - San Francisco

Win a $60 Amazon Voucher - Entry Details

We are now accepting entries into our recent Quiz Competition. Please carefully follow the rules for entering shown at the bottom of the post.

First, here is a reminder of the questions with links to the original post which will contain further clues to the answers. There is a runners-up prize too, so be sure to enter, even if you cant get all the answers:

Question 1:
What is the name of the place where this picture was taken?

Question 2:
Who is this weeks featured local blogger?


Question 3:
Which Country?
Which Store?
Which location?

Question 4:
Name the Country?
Name the City?
Name the famous Restaurant?

Question 5:
Which bottle of rosé did we drink, name?
Vineyard?
Year?

Question 6:
Name the Country where you'll find this vineyard?
What kind of wine is it?
Who reportedly chose it to toast in the millenium, her own golden wedding and her mother's 100th birthday?

Question 7:
Who do I blame for telling me how to start a blog and sending me down this crazy blogging path?
Which restaurant did I visit for my first ever review?
Which seven languages did we use to toast each other during our dinner?

Question 8:
Who is this week's featured local blogger?
What is the name of his blog?

How to enter:
Send an email to becks dot posh at gmail dot com with May 2005 Quiz Entry in the subject header.
Number your Answers 1 through 8, putting each part of each answer on a separate line.
Second, write the word Tiebreaker, then the number that is your guestimate to the following question...
The tiebreaker question is: How many hours and minutes (to the nearest quarter of an hour) of overtime did I work during the week ending May 15th. This guess should be the number of hours above and beyond my regular 45 hour week.

First Prize: A $60 Amazon Voucher to spend on the food related book of your choice for the overall winner.
Runner-Up: A once-read copy of Ruth Reichl's Garlic & Sapphires to the person who is closest to guessing the tiebreaker, regardless of how many questions they answer correctly.
In event of a draw, another tie-breaker will be set.

Closing Date:
Please send your email to me, to arrive by Midnight PST on Sunday May 22nd 2005. No entries will be accepted after this date.

As long as there is no tie, the winners names will be announced by May 30th 2005. The answers will provided thereafter. Only one prize per person. In the event the first prize winner is also the closest with the tiebreaker, out of all the entries, then the runners up prize will go to the next closest guesser.

Good luck!!!

Win a $60 Amazon Voucher - Entry Details

a-Ring-a-Ring-of-Rosés

Join me on a round up of World Wine Blogging Wednesday 9th edition, in which gobal wine enthusiasts tasted Rosés and shared their tasting notes online. 41 bottles were opened, two of which remain in the fridge unloved and rejected. Most people, however, have been pleasantly suprised that rosés can, in fact, be quite something. Even the guys who thought they might prefer to never be seen drinking something so rosy, have softened and come round to my pink way of thinking!



Here you will find good and not-so-good reviews of Rosé wines from many different countries (France and the UA being the most popular) without a single mention of Mateus or White Zinfandel. This post should be your first stop if you are wondering which rose should I buy?

Starting with the Sparklers
The Caveman had me longing for a glass of bubbly when he described the end result of drinking Bugey Cerdon, Méthode ancestrale, Raphael Bartucci as demi-sec bliss.

Culinary Fool made a smart move when she chose to taste a 1999 Argyle Brut Rosé to accompany of spot of dining al fresco. Join her for a Sunday afternoon accented with a rush of sweet, summer cherries.

I like the Kitchen Queens. I have a feeling they know how to live very well. But why didn't they invite me around to join them? Don't they know that Billecart-Salmon Brut Rosé is one of my favourite champagnes?

I apologize profusely to Rachael and her Fresh Approach Cooking for originally ommitting the description of her romance with a bottle of Sterling Family's 1998 Iron Horse Vineyards Brut Rose. How could I possibly have missed a wine she describes as stupendous, delicious and extra girly to drink, [earning] five air kisses out of five.


Argentina
mā'ona is Hawaiian for 'satisfied after eating; to eat one's fill'. When it comes to drinking, Alan admits this 2004 Crios de Susana Balbo Rosé of Malbec is nothing to be ashamed about either.

Staying in South America the choice for both Sarah at The Delicious Life and The Budget Sommelier was the 2004 Vida Organica Malbec Rose from Familia Zuccardi purchased at Wholefoods. One of them declares I don’t think you’ll find a more summery, refreshing rosé that actually has some character to it for this value price whilst the other was less keen, admitting half the bottle is still sitting *for shame, for shame* on the top shelf of my fridge.

Australia
Down in Oz, Eat Stuff have actually been drinking for a change. And two bottles, nonetheless. They liked the Jacobs Creek Shiraz Rose Vintage 2004 more than the Wolf Blass Eaglehawk 2004, reminding us all that in the Southern Hemisphere it's nearer the end, than the start, of the Rosé Season.

Appellation Australia tried the Charles Melton “Rose of Virginia” 2004 and then described it as a great wine to take chilled on a picnic or to have with slightly spicy Asian food.

Austria
The Caveman's second wine today is a sweet one he recommends pairing with chocolate. Zweigelt Rosé 1998, TBA, Nouvelle Vague, Kracher is a little on the pricey side. Because he describes it as truly bizarre and burnt bar-b-q chicken with an unctuous texture, I am not sure it will be one of my own future investments.

France
Bill of the WLW-WineGeek.com blog tasted a Mas des Bressades Costières de Nimes 2004 of which he remarked, upon the first taste, my mind immediately raced to the words "wine cooler."

Based in Canada,The Caveman's third and final offering for this global wine tasting was a Coteaux-du-languedoc 2004, Pic St-Loup, Château de Lancyre which he recommends simmering with shallots and herbs. Visit his site to see why.

Over in Cafe Benjata they have been drinking a bottle of 2002 Domaine Tempier Bandol Rose. Whilst just the thought of it reminds me of last Summer in Provence, at the Cafe Benjata it demands garlic and anchovy butter and fresh herbs…

From Oswego Tea in Germany we have another French choice, the Chateau La Commanderie de Queyret Bordeaux Rosé 2003. Michele explains I am new to Rosé, and the flavour of this one did not strike me at all.

Can I take all the credit for helping Mia at Nosh discover Domaine du Gouyat 2004 Bergerac Rosé which she describes as possibly one of the best wines I have ever tasted? Aw, go on, let me...

Meg, in Paris, is one of Too Many Chefs who chose to drink a Cuvée Lou Coutri for this WBW, finding it dry, with a little bit of a berry depth. Meg summarises her attitude to rosés just like I might: Gone are the days when it just meant a sweet drink for teenagers and maiden ladies unused to proper wine. Let's hear it for pink power!

Another wine drinker who transports me back to Provence is Marta who sends us a Postcard from Tavel. Her choice of Chateau de Trinquevedel Rosé 2002 felt, she said, like summer.

Christian over at Turn The Screw tried the seductive sounding Oriel 'Femme Fatale' Bordeaux Rosé 2003. He concludes, definitley not what I envision straight-away when thinking of rosé, but most certainly an interesting alternative to the Provençal standard that I love and sell.

Lady Amalthea, a New Yorker in Paris with a blog called Noshes, Thoughts & Reves preferred her bottle of clean, crisp, slightly sweet and [with] almost no aftertaste the Domaine de la Berthete Cotes du Rhone Rosé, as an apperetif, before dinner.

What is a Winecast? Well, it is a Wine Podcast. What is a podcast? An online audio programme. Thankfully Tim wrote some notes to help me with the round up (because I am not sure that in my WBW hosting contract it says that I agree to take dictation from an audio file!) He chose three pink wines to review, two of which were French. The first of these was Les Vignerons de Montblanc, Syrah Rose, Vin de Pays des Cotes de Thongue 2003 which he described as a rose center with nice pink edges, watermelon candy nose, nice flavor intensity of light red berries, dry and refreshing. The other, a Cuvee Catherine, Rose d’Anjou 2002, was a bit bitter on the finish. He noted drink ASAP as the wine is past it’s prime.



Italy
Ha, ha ha! You'll just have to go and see how Basic Juice eloquently shared his thoughts on Tasca D’Almerita Rosé di Regaleali Rosato IGT, ’02 with us.

The Cork Dork ws unaware that they made good rosés in Italy. But then, thanks to WBW, he found the Bardolino Chiaretto, Corte Gardoni 2003 and promptly bought 8 more bottles the next day. I am going to have to check it out!


New Zealand
Barbara of winosandfoodies.com based in Auckland, chose an Esk Valley wine for this tasting. She concluded it was nice, but not as good as her favourite rosés from her native Western Australia.

South Africa
Jeanne, our favourite Cook Sister living in London, shares a beautiful memory of rosé at her wedding which she tried to get hold of for this tasting too. Unfortunately she couldn't find it in the UK so she chose another SA wine, the pink pinotage Flagstone Semaphore 2004 Rosé instead. And what was her verdict? It's no shrinking violet of a wine and was complemented by the food rather than overwhelmed by it. She'll be stocking up on this one...

Spain
Andrew at Spittoon settled on Spain for his choice of Bodegas Fariña Colegiata Young Rosé, 2003 which he tells us is unsullied by any oak thus retaining its vibrant, fresh, colour, aroma and taste.

United States
Find out why Bill from WLW-WineGeek.comcalls Van Duzer Vinyards' Pinot Noir Rosé 2004 an unexpected experience in his second rosé tasting for this WBW.

Chas from Austin opened up my eyes to Texan wine. On his Wine Tasting blog he tells the world that he'd quaff more of Spicewood Vineyards Rosé of Merlot 2004, (especially if it was cheaper!).

Jens Rosenkrantz Jr runs the Cincinnati Wine Garage. The Vinum Cellars, Rose 2004 from Napa he critiqued was thirst quenching and substantial. Jens is doing a blind rose tasting this week and promises to report on that soon too.

2004 Core Santa Barbara Rosé is a second tasting choice of our Budget Sommelier. More highly priced than their budget usually allows, Jerome found it nice and dry, but he also found it to be a bit overwhelming. Jerome also kindly shares his favorite pink Sangria recipe with us.

The aroma is very fruity with a bubble gum or cotton candy character to it. What are Vivi's Wine Journal describing? Tablas Creek 2002 Rosé (Paso Robles), of course. This was also the choice of Purple Sunshine, a blog that grew from a wine tasting club in New Orleans. They pretty much dug this wine and would give it, say, 15 on a scale of 20.

Alica at My Adventures in The Breadbox was recently in San Fracisco. Instead of stopping by to say hi to me, she wisely went to Napa where she picked up a bottle of 2003 Ancient Vines Rosado. Unfortunately, she didn't like it and admits this bottle may last quite a while in the fridge.

2004 Robert Sinskey Vin Gris of Pinot Noir was the choice of This Heaven Gives Me Migraine. He tells us it's got a fairly uncomplicated nose of toast and strawberries, with hints of grapefruit and some white flowers like jasmine.

Over at Carolyn Tillie's Ultimate California Wine Blog, the hostess samples a 2004 Saintsbury Vin de Gris of Pinot Noir. Her description, the distinct flavors were almost as illusive as the aromas, however the strawberry pronounced itself with delicacy and charisma, hit the nail on the head for me. That's exactly how I found my own Rosé to be, without finding such an eloquent sentence to describe it.

Although Snackish Sue was revolted by her glowing nuclear pink White Merlot by J.W. Morris whose cherry cough syrup taste made [her] gag, but she was so inspired by the actual assignment, she has started a blog dedicated solely to pink wines. Check it out at Queen of Roses.

WBW's founder, Lenndevours likes to choose a Long Island wine for this meme whenever possible. Lenn tells us that the Wolffer Estate Vineyards in Sagaponack 2004 Rosé he got his hands on is one of the best Rosés not only on the Island but that [he tastes] period.

Our podcaster, Tim's third pink wine review was of Toad Hollow Vineyards, “Eye of the Toad", Dry Pinot Noir Rosé 2004. This was his favourite, which he describes thus: clear pink, beautiful strawberry/watermelon nose, strawberry/cherry fruit, bone dry, nice finish.

Mezzaluna went to the trouble fo doing quite some research before heading to the store. When she got there she found her choice limited. She ended up with a bottle of Thirsty Lizard White Shiraz 2004 which had an aftertaste that reminded [her] of Dove chocolate.

Footnote
My own Rosé tasting remains a mystery at this moment in time. Guessing which wine I tasted is part of a quiz to win a $60 Amazon voucher. Check back at this site tomorrow for details of how to enter.

With huge thanks to everyone who took part and then waited very, very patiently for me to round up all of the entries. Before you rush to host your own WBW, pause, and reflect on this little fact. This post took me no less than 8 hours to prepare. It's a committment, for sure, but one that I hope you agree was definitely worth it in the end. If you don't agree, I am coming after you with a big stick...

posted in wbw and Wine

a-Ring-a-Ring-of-Rosés