Secret Recipe: Namu Gaji's Korean Fried Chicken

Dennis Lee may be the new Colonel Sanders. The Namu Gaji chef’s Korean Fried Chicken (KFC), available on the restaurant’s brunch menu, is twice fried and then slathered with a sweet and tangy glaze that looks almost nuclear, thanks to a helping of gochujang, a kicky Korean condiment made from red chiles, rice, fermented soybeans, and salt. We eagerly await more deliciousness from Lee, namely Namu Noodles, due to open in Dogpatch come summer. In the meantime, we’ll settle for sticky fingers.

Korean Fried Chicken
Serves 4 to 6
Ingredients:
3 quarts water
1/3 cup salt
1/3 cup soy sauce
Whole chicken, split into 8 pieces (2 of each: wing with breast, breast, thigh, and drumstick)
1 cup plus 2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons potato starch
1 tablespoon sea salt
2 tablespoons black pepper
5 cups cold sparkling water
5 quarts frying oil (rice bran,
canola, or peanut oil) or pork lard
Special equipment:
candy thermometer
KFC glaze (see below)
1. Combine water, salt, and soy sauce in large pot. Place chicken in this brine, and soak for 3 to 4 hours in refrigerator.
2. Remove from solution and pat dry.
3. Lightly coat chicken in 1 cup of flour.
4. Whisk the 2 cups of flour, potato starch, sea salt, and black pepper together in large bowl.
5. Add sparkling water and mix until smooth.
6. Coat chicken in batter.
7. Heat frying oil to 320 degrees in 8- to 10-quart heavy-bottomed pot. Submerge chicken in oil for 8 minutes, maintaining temperature between 300 and 320 degrees.*
8. Remove chicken and allow to rest on a drying rack for 6 minutes.
9. Heat oil to 375 degrees.
10. Submerge chicken again and maintain temperature between 350 and 375 degrees.* Batter will appear golden brown and very crispy when done.
11. Coat chicken in warm KFC glaze. Plate the chicken.
12. Serve with daikon pickles, spicy slaw, and dashi gravy for dipping. See recipes online at 7x7.com/KFC.
*Chef’s note: The temperature of the oil will drop when you place all of the chicken in. Increase or decrease heat to maintain proper temperature for the duration of cooking.
KFC Glaze

1/2 cup gochujang

1/2 cup distilled white vinegar

1 tablespoon fish sauce

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1/2 cup sugar

8 ounces unsaltedbutter

1 tablespoon potato starch mixed with 2 tablespoons water

1. Combine all ingredients except potato starch slurry in small (4-quart) pot.

2. Bring to a simmer and add potato starch slurry, whisking vigorously.

3. Turn the heat down to very low to keep warm.

4. Take the mixture off the heat, and whisk for a minute just before glazing the chicken.

 

Daikon Pickles

Serves 4 to 6

2 cups water

1 cup sugar

2 tablespoons salt

2 cups white vinegar

2 to 3 pounds medium-size Japanese daikon, cut into 1/2-inch cubes

1. Combine water, sugar, salt, and vinegar, and whisk until uniform.

2. Add radish and let sit, covered, for 24 hours. Then refrigerate until ready to eat.

3. These will easily keep for 6 to 8 weeks in the refrigerator.

 

Spicy Slaw

Serves 4 to 6

1/2 green cabbage

1 cup mayo

2 tablespoons sriracha ,Tabasco, or your favorite hot sauce (more if you like it hotter)

1. Thinly slice the cabbage.

2. Mix together with mayo and hot sauce until evenly coated.

Chef’s note: I think this slaw is best served right away, when you can taste the raw cabbage, but it’s also good the next day, served after being refrigerated.

 

Dashi Gravy

Serves 4 to 6

1 cup heaping bonito flakes

1 piece kelp, 4 by 4 inches

4 quarts chicken stock

2 tablespoons fish sauce

1/4 cup soy sauce

1/2 cup mirin

6 ounces unsaltedbutter

6 ounces flour

2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, grated

Black pepper to taste (approximately 1 teaspoon)

1. Place bonito and kelp in chicken stock in medium (6-quart) pot. Bring to a simmer and remove from heat.

2. Strain the liquid, discarding solids, and return to pot.

3. Add the fish sauce, soy sauce, and mirin to the stock.

4. In a separate 10-inch sauté pan, melt butter on low.

5. Work the flour in until there are no lumps and the flour is fully incorporated (the mix will become a relatively solid mass).

6. Heat stock to a simmer, and add the butter-and-flour combination in small pieces, whisking them in.

7. Add cheese and black pepper.

8. Whisk for 4 minutes as the mixture bubbles and thickens.

9. Serve hot.

 

Recipe and Photo Sourced by:  http://www.7x7.com/KFC

Which S.F. neighborhood has the highest rents?

One-bedrooms for around $4,000

1000 Chestnut Street in Russian Hill is offering one-bedrooms for around $4,100.
For a complete list of 17 examples

Russian Hill just barely eked past South Beach as the most expensive one-bedroom rental in the city, according to new data from Zumper.com. The northern neighborhood came in at a median rent of $4,000 a month for a one-bedroom unit versus South Beach’s $3,995 median. (A look at what you can get for around that price is above.) However, Russian Hill may not hold the title for long: South Beach one-bedroom rents were up 5.1% between August and September 2014, whereas Russian Hill, the Marina ($3,650) and Pacific Heights ($3,600) were all flat.
Some higher-end neighborhoods actually saw rental prices decline during the same time period. Mission Bay/Dog Patch has a median price of $3,473 for a one-bedroom, but that’s an almost 3% decline. The neighborhood was down almost 8% in price per bedroom figures ($2,948 per bedroom) when all apartment sizes are taken into account—the biggest per bedroom month-over-month drop in the city.
The Castro also saw declining rents, especially amongst two-bedrooms; its $4,075 median for a two-bedroom apartment is down almost 17% month over month and the neighborhood is down 1% in per bedroom costs when all apartment sizes are taken into account. Hayes Valley was down over 6% for its one-bedrooms ($2,998) and more than 2% for its two-bedrooms ($4,395) but the neighborhood was up 6% in per bedroom prices overall—one of the largest overall increases in the city—indicating that perhaps larger units are gaining in popularity in the family-friendly area.
Other neighborhoods seem to be getting more popular with singles. Telegraph Hill one-bedrooms were up nearly 17% month over month ($3,150) while its two-bedroom listings sank 1.2% to $4,200. Civic Center’s smaller units are also on the rise: one-bedrooms are up to a median of $2,800 (a nearly 8%) increase, making it more expensive than a one-bedroom in Bernal Heights ($2,650), the Mission ($2,500) and the Lower Haight ($2,395).
Those prices are all below the median citywide for one-bedrooms, which at $3,200 a month was the highest in the nation, beating out even New York ($2,950). However, in a neighborhood-versus-neighborhood match up, the Big Apple still comes out on top. Rents in the Flatiron District, Tribeca and DUMBO all top $4,000 a month for a one-bedroom.




Original Article and Photo Sourced From: http://blog.sfgate.com/ontheblock/2014/10/14/which-s-f-neighborhood-has-the-highest-rents/

First Taste Of Freedom For 6 Overjoyed Animals Caught On Film

1. These beagles, who had lived their entire lives in cages, romp playfully in the grass for the first time ever, thanks to the Beagle Freedom Project.  

(YouTube: Beagle Freedom Project)
2. These are just a few of the laboratory chimpanzees released to the Gut Aiderbichl sanctuary in Austria. The chimps peer cautiously out at the wide open spaces of the sanctuary before excitedly embracing one another.

(YouTube: EVOLVE Campaigns)
3. Three orphaned foxes, raised at the Chintimini Wildlife Center in Oregon, slowly take in their new wild surroundings before finally scampering off into the brush.

(YouTube: chintiminiwildlife's channel)
4. These four orphaned raccoons were rescued by Animal Advocates' Mary Cummins when they were little babies. Upon being released where they were found, the mischievous raccoons had some fun knocking over their carriers before setting out into the woods together.

(YouTube: Mary Cummins)
5. These chubby seal pups were cared for over the course of several months at the RSPCA in East Winch after the Norfolk tidal surge. The pups eagerly made their way toward the water, using the slippery mud to help expedite their homecoming.

(YouTube: rspcauk)
6. This extremely rare Siberian tiger, named Zolushka, was rescued as a young orphaned cub by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW). Zolushka made a graceful and beautiful exit upon her return to the wild. According to IFAW, there are only about 400 Siberian tigers remaining in the world.

(YouTube: IFAW - International Fund for Animal Welfare)  

This article was provided by thedodo.com. To read the original article, go here. 

Hook ultrawealthy homebuyers with concierge-style service

Major shifts are afoot in the luxury real estate market, especially internationally. What are today’s luxury buyers seeking and how are agents today providing the stellar service this market segment demands?
The Luxury Connect session at Real Estate Connect San Francisco was packed with great strategies and data that can help you better serve this important demographic. Here are seven of the top takeaways:

Luxury buyer image via Shutterstock.

1. Luxury Asian clients look to the U.S.
Marti Gallardo, vice president of global advertising sales, vertical markets, for The Wall Street Journal, noted how the habits of international luxury buyers have changed in the last two years.
Two years ago, 64 percent of luxury Asian buyers planned on making a purchase in Asia within the next two years. Today, only 44 percent plan to make a purchase in Asia.
In fact, 67 percent of the Chinese who are purchasing property want to buy overseas. Moreover, of the $92 billion in foreign sales, $22 billion is from Chinese investment. The younger Chinese buyers see the United States as a secure place to invest.

2. Criteria for purchasing
In terms of the criteria for purchasing, security is the No. 1 factor. According to Jason Padilla, president and CEO of Seals on Security, many of his ultra high net worth clients have full-time security. Before the client ever goes anywhere, the security team checks out the security, as well as safe exits in case of an emergency.
Given the heavy smog and other pollution in parts of Asia, a second highly ranked criterion for purchasing is environmental friendliness.
A third highly ranked factor is return on investment. A common approach is for the buyer to do a property tour during the summertime. Next, they will make a small purchase. If that works out, they will then consider buying more.
To reach these clients, consider putting together a video or other marketing campaign that addresses “The Ten Things You Must Know Before Buying in the U.S.” You could also do an additional campaign for your state and/or your local market area.

Not only are international buyers buying property for their children to occupy when they are in college, they are buying property to have their children attend elementary school or even summer day camps."

3. Summer day camp purchases
Gallardo also noted another important trend. Not only are international buyers buying property for their children to occupy when they are in college, they are buying property to have their children attend elementary school or even summer day camps. Once their children complete their schooling, many of these clients see owning a property as an important step in helping their child to become established in their career.

4. Cultivate relationships face to face
Madison Hildebrand, president and founder of Malibu Life Inc. and former star of Bravo’s “Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles,” takes face-to-face prospecting to a whole new level.
Hildebrand makes a point at being at the places where the ultrawealthy hang out during different parts of the year. He may be skiing in Aspen during the winter or partying in the Mediterranean during Yacht Week. At these events, his goal is to cultivate a long-lasting relationship with the people he meets, regardless of where they live. For those who are from Los Angeles, Hildebrand keeps in touch. Ultimately, many of them become his clients.
In terms of his other marketing (both print and digital), Hildebrand is doing a heavy ad spend to reach the Russian luxury client as well.
Michi Olson, vice president of global business development and relocation for Alain Pinel Realtors, has traveled to the Luxury Property Show in Beijing as well to Malaysia and Thailand to cultivate relationships there. Alain Pinel has also taken out a large ad in the international terminal at San Francisco International Airport as a way to generate more international client leads.
Laura Brady, founder and president of Concierge Auctions, provided an additional explanation as to why being face to face internationally is a smart strategy.
“International luxury buyers are opportunistic. They may be considering a ranch in Montana this month and a beachfront property in Hawaii next month.”
In other words, if the ultrawealthy buyer has an interest in purchasing more real estate at this moment in time, you may make the sale simply because you were the agent who was present with them face to face.

5. Follow the money
Canada just recognized the virtual currency bitcoin as a legal currency. Bitcoin is becoming increasingly popular among the international community because the fluctuations in its valuation are not as volatile as many other international currencies. This is particularly important for many South American investors where inflation often runs rampant. In fact, bitcoin is extremely popular in Argentina.
Another important factor is tax rate. In fact, when France dramatically increased the tax rate on the ultrawealthy, many international investors moved their money elsewhere.

6. Ultra wealth finds its own property
In the past, ultra high net worth individuals would have a trusted business manager, attorney, or other staff member locate properties for them. Today many ultra high worth individuals are vetting homes online. They love researching information and actually enjoy the hunt. Consequently, the person contacting you about that pricey listing may be the actual buyer rather than one of his or her representatives as was the case in the past.

7. What hasn’t changed: concierge-style service
Meghan Barry, president of LuxuryRealEstate.com, noted that the expectations of luxury clients have not changed. They expect their agents to be able to locate the legal, tax, immigration, and other professional help they need to work across different countries and in different currencies.
They also expect you to help guide them through tasks such as obtaining a driver’s license, showing them where to go for medical emergences, as well as where the best dry cleaners, dog groomers or nail salons are located.
While the payoffs can be huge, the game of attracting and retaining ultra high net worth clients is more costly and competitive than ever before.

Article and Photo Sourced From:  http://www.inman.com/2014/09/08/hook-ultrawealthy-homebuyers-with-concierge-style-service/ 

Four Hot New Restaurants to Try Right Now

Book those reservations now at these just-opened places to eat.

Gaspar Brasserie

Gaspar Brasserie
Financial district
Atmosphere-wise, Franck LeClerc’s handsome watering hole feels like a ménage à trois between a gentleman’s club, a French prop studio, and a stack of money. But the fare demonstrates a refreshing lack of pretension: It’s simple food done very well. Raw oysters come fantastically cold, plump, and creamy; a chickpea panisse cake boasts a crunchy crust and creamy innards; and grilled entrecôte steak hews deliciously to tradition. It’s all unabashedly old school—and deeply satisfying. 185 Sutter St. (at Kearny St.), 415-576-8800 —Rebecca Flint Marx


Palm House
Marina
Calling Palm House “tropics-inspired” is like calling Capri Sun fruit-inspired: convincing in concept, slightly less so in practice. The vibrant hues and dishes like plump “Trinidad-style” grilled gulf white prawns and guava-pepper pork tacos channel a kind of Caribbean-lite—festive, fun, and a bit shallow in execution. But they make a perfect accompaniment to the stellar cocktail list: The lusty, spicy-sweet chipotle-mango margarita is reason enough to set sail for the Marina. 2032 Union St. (near Buchanan St.), 415-400-4355 —R.F.M.


Causwells
Marina
Industrial meets art deco at this coolly designed little spot serving classic American food with just the right smidge of chefly affectation. The excellent burger comes draped with a big fat square of American cheese, while an heirloom tomato salad enjoys a creative update courtesy of fried okra, Jimmy Nardello peppers, and melon vinaigrette. The service is as sweet and welcoming as the doughnut bread pudding, which should come with a Lipitor chaser. 2346 Chestnut St. (near Divisadero St.), 415-447-6081 —Sara Deseran


The Dock at Linden Street
West Oakland
At this warehouse-chic build-out next to the Linden Street Brewery, the small-batch beer flows freely and Commis chef James Syhabout lets his imagination loose. The result is global bar food, ranging from oyster po’ boys to yakitori-style grilled corn to a falafel “waffle” with merguez sausage and a cooling splash of lebni, or strained yogurt. Much of the grub is fried, a fair bit of it is spicy, and all of it begs for sudsy lubrication. Think of it as happy hour from many time zones, all under one roof. 95 Linden St. (near 3rd St.), 510-338-3965 —Josh Sens


Originally published in the October issue of San Francisco

- See more at: http://www.modernluxury.com/san-francisco/story/four-hot-new-restaurants-try-right-now-0#sthash.qmndOaX8.dpuf

25 New Restaurants to Try in the Bay Area

By Virginia Miller
October 24, 2014

Photo by: Virginia Miller

Where and what do we eat tonight? That's the never-ending question on everyone's mind. We're here to help answer that with a roundup of the latest openings you need to know around the Bay Area. Here are the 25 newest spots in order of opening — East Bay openings start at 22. Check back every Friday for an up-to-date list.
1) The Hall
Opened by Scott Peterson and Ted Wilson with AQ's Matt Semmelhack, The Hall is the latest step forward in the revitalization of Mid-Market. The hip, spacious food hall and market features six local food vendors and a bar, which means you can find breakfast, lunch, happy hour drinks and an early dinner all in a single space. Vendors cover a wide range of culinary styles, each using a heavy amount of sustainable and organic ingredients. Here's our walk-through of dishes and drinks to try (bonus: everything under $15). 1028 Market St.; 415-558-8293
2) Les Clos
Imagine your dream cafe, one with impeccable food, world-class wine and robust coffee. Lucky for SoMa, such a place exists: Les Clos, a new wine bar and café hybrid from award-winning sommelier Mark Bright. The Saison alum has brought on board two cohorts from the acclaimed restaurant, chef Shawn Gawle and cellar master/sommelier Cara Patricia Higgins. Modeled after the wine bars of Paris, Bright's Les Clos feels like the ideal French cafe, boasting both high-quality food and drinks. Despite the humble setting, chef Gawle's Parisian-inspired dishes certainly can wow. 234 Townsend St., 415-795-1422

Les Clos' Parisienne gnocchi gratinée  [Photo credit: Virginia Miller]
3) Lazy Bear
Lawyer-turned-chef David Barzelay launched his underground pop-up Lazy Bear last year, throwing imaginative tasting-menu dinners that gained a huge cult following (and long waiting lists). In late September, Barzelay finally rolled out a brick-and-mortar location in the Mission's former Hi Lo space and we had a First Look at some of the food just before the grand opening. The beautiful bones and feel of the interior are still there, complete with the vaulted, rafter-lined ceilings and charred, barrel-like wall. On the second floor, there's a chic lounge overlooking the dining room that's perfect for pre-dinner cocktails and small bites. Reservations go the Alinea and Next route: an online ticketing system of prepaid, nonrefundable (but transferable) tickets are released monthly — purchase them here. 3416 19th St.; 415-874-9921
4) Bistro L'Aviateur
The latest addition to the recent resurgence of French bistros is the Mission's L'Aviateur, opened mid-September by husband-and-wife duo Maha and Vincent Laforge (Vincent a former pilot, hence the aviation-themed name and decor). The cafe/bistro fare is rife with Mediterranean influences, namely from Maha's native Tunisia. Though the menu changes daily, it follows a format of salad and soup, two appetizers and two entrée options for lunch or dinner, with initial offerings like traditional Tunisian bread or quiche. Call ahead for hours which are still in flux. Here's our take on the cafe in opening weeks. 2850 21st St.; 415-757-0272

Tunisian pastries at Bistro L'Aviateur [Photo credit: Virginia Miller]​
5) Charin
Dinner in a changing, undisclosed location in the Mission/Bernal Heights/Noe Valley area? This is the setting for a rather unique concept that's may feel like a pop-up, but is actually a new restaurant that's always on the move. Charles-C Onyeama launched the concept, having staged at high-profile places like Benu, SPQR and Manresa. Here is our early take and course-by-course photos from the first week. The eight-course tasting menu will generally range from $95-$135 per person with the maximum reservation size for four people given the few tables (just 15). Sign up for dinner alerts on their site directly. The exact location is announced once reservations are made.
6) Hecho
Jesse Woodward and Dana Gleim (Hi Tops) — with consulting from Top Chef alum chef Jamie Lauren — launched this sit-down restaurant in the Castro focusing on modern interpretations of Mexican classics. On the menu, you'll find a variety of tacos (duck confit, crunchy picadillo, al pastor), along with entrees like beer-steamed clams and whole fried snapper. Naturally, drinks are heavy on tequila and mezcal cocktails. Read up on our early recommendations for dinner and brunch here. 2200 Market St.; 415-926-5630

Whole fried red snapper in chiles, lemon and garlic at Hecho [Photo credit: Virginia Miller]
7) Urchin Bistrot
Husband-and-wife duo Hiro Sone and Lissa Doumani (Ame, Terra) opened Urchin Bistrot at the beginning of August in the former Wo Hing General Store. Running in partnership with Ame's Michael Morrison and chef/GM Susan Naderi Johnston, this on-trend bistro offers excellent escargot-style mussels along with other California-meets-France hits. Also: a Frenchy bar program from Rafael Jimenez Rivera (Ame, Comal, A16, Plum Bar), plus a mural highlighting Mission landmarks like the Roxie Theater warms the space. Our early recommends here. 584 Valencia St., 415-861-1844
8) Plin
Alexander Alioto's Plin breathes new life into the former Conduit/Another Monkey space with modern Italian small plates, including crudos, handmade pastas and a heavy focus on seafood. After tasting through the gamut, here are the menu items you shouldn't miss. The whole space looks fresh and new again thanks to a sleek redesign by Alioto's mom. 280 Valencia St.; 415-655-9510
9) Beso
The group behind Bisou in the Castro opened Beso (Spanish for “kiss”) in late August — another in the recent spate of new tapas spots. The open kitchen is run by Bisou Group’s executive chef and co-owner Nicolas Ronan and consulting chef-partner Anthony Lemortellec from NYC’s Boqueria. Here are our menu recommendations. 4058 A 18th St., 415-801-5392

Tamarind margarita slushie at Loló​ Cevicheria [Photo Source: Virginia Miller]
10) Loló​ Cevicheria
Now open in the former Loló​ space on 22nd Street, this new Peru-meets-Mexico concept from the same owners is a mellower alternative to the bustling relocated Loló​ on Valencia Street. A few of the cult-followed dishes of yesteryear are available at the Cevicheria, namely the taco tropical and tuna tacon. The rest of the menu has a decidedly Peruvian slant, overseen by chef-owner Jorge Martinez and chef Alberto Pitman, who cooked at famed Pujol in Mexico City. Amid toucan wallpaper, toy parrots and beach towel-lined banquettes, fill up on Peruvian ceviche and causas and Mexican tacos and sopes, while drinking sangria or margarita slushies. More early recommendations are here. 3230 22nd St.; 415-913-7898
11) Ferry Plaza Seafood
This long seafood counter, serving fresh crab and chowder, recently relocated from the Ferry Building to a light-filled space just off Washington Square Park in North Beach. It's still heavy on shellfish, but now offers a range of seafood on an expanded menu. Chef Joey Ng, who worked for years at the original location, cooks "with love," as she says, and one can taste it in the clean, but heartfelt, lines of the seafood-dominant dishes. 653 Union St.; 415-274-2561
12) Mason
TV personality and chef Ryan Scott hits Potrero Hill with a new restaurant called Mason, opened at the end of July serving “American pub food.” A pizza oven churns out pies like Maui Me with tomato sauce, ham, Maui Gold pineapple, jalapeño and rosemary. Of course, there's also a classic Margherita. Bites like house-cured olives in citrus and lavender and grilled artichokes dipped in remoulade round out the menu. Our recommends here. 338 De Haro St.; 415-255-9335

Cocktails at ABV [Photo credit: Virginia Miller]
13) ABV
Cocktail experts Todd Smith, Ryan Fitzgerald and Erik Reichborn-Kjennerud soft-opened ABV in the former Tokyo Go Go this week, featuring a 16-cocktail menu organized by spirit. Chef Kevin Cimino, formerly of St. Vincent, is playing with his Southern roots and many other global inspirations in the likes of a pimiento cheeseburger and a ma po sloppy Joe. Most of the finger foods and cocktails are priced at $10 or less. Bonus: hours are 2 PM-2 AM daily. Our favorite initial dishes and cocktails here. 3174 16th St., 415-400-4748
14) The Tradesman
In what was a sausage-smoking plant near Trick Dog and Flour + Water, The Tradesman opened 7/18 from Harrison Woodworking + Design owners, which means custom woodworking everywhere, from cabinets to tables. Scott Youkilis (Hog & Rocks) and chef Bryan Baker have helped put together a drink-friendly menu that offers the likes of peanut butter cheddar burgers and a strong wine and beer list. Our early recommends here. 753 Alabama St.; 415-814-2276
15) South
Charles Phan's South at SF Jazz was just completely changed and reopened under the same name as a Mexican small plates and cocktails bar for pre-show or any-time dining and drinks. Chef Rymee Trobaugh (of Zuni Cafe) serves affordable small plates ($5-$19) like shrimp sopas, beef tongue, albondigas, clam ceviche and entrees like rabbit in yellow mole, alongside cocktails with an agave spirits focus, naturally. Our early favorite dishes and cocktails here. 205 Franklin St., 415-539-3905
16) PABU
Sushi master and chef-owner of long-beloved Hana Japanese Restaurant in Rohnert Park, Ken Tominaga joined forces with Michael Mina to open PABU at the beginning of July, along with The Ramen Bar, which opened June 30. Expect izakaya and robata grill dishes alongside cocktails and Japanese whiskies from Mina Group head bartender Carlo Splendorini and lead bartender Nick Jones. Also: a fantastic nigiri tasting menu with sake pairings from master sake sommelier Stuart Morris. Here are our early food and drink recommendations. They recently added on lunch service. 101 California St.; 415-668-7228
17) Causewells
Owners Alvin Garcia and Tom Patella join forces with chef Adam Rosenblum, a former sous chef at Flour + Water, to serve a list of trendy greatest hits, including deviled eggs and kale Caesar. There are also playful turns like Allstar Donut bread pudding. The Bon Vivants Design+Build updated the 1930’s deco space and an outdoor patio space is on the way if they can raise Kickstarter funds to open it. PS: this too is a welcome late night option, serving food until 1 AM. Here are our initial food and drink recommendations. 2346 Chestnut St., 415-447-6081
18) The Ramen Bar
From Chef Ken Tominaga and The Mina Group, The Ramen Bar opened June 30 serving Tominaga’s signature Tokyo-style ramen bowls utilizing ingredients from local farms and purveyors, ethically-sourced meats and fresh fish. Drinks include Japanese beers, sake, cold-pressed juices, Los Angeles’ LAMILL Coffee and non-alcoholic “Tea-Tails,” like Hong Kong Milk Tea or Masala Chai Tea on tap. The space is meant to evoke a Japanese fishing village marked by shipping sails, rope and reclaimed wood. 101 California St.; 415-684-1570

Nigiri tasting menu at PABU [Photo credit: Virginia Miller]
19) Marla Bakery
Husband-wife team Amy Brown and Joe Wolf — who met working at Nopa and started Marla Bakery as a popular takeout window in the Mission — opened Marla Bakery, the restaurant, on June 20. It's an all-day affair, serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and brunch. Of course there's also a bakery attached. Check out our early picks here. A custom, two-tiered wood-fired oven centers the room, marked by wood cabinets and pottery, and a back garden and patio designed by Paxton Gate. There's also a wine, beer, cider and sherry drink menu from Chris Deegan, also formerly at Nopa. 3619 Balboa St.; 415-742-4379

20) Aveline and The European
Consider it a two-for-one deal: Aveline is a chic new restaurant from Top Chef alum Casey Thompson and The European is its equally classy neighboring bar, overseen by Adam Wilsom, formerly of Beretta. Both opened in tandem on June 6th in The Warwick hotel, central for theater- and gallery-goers, downtown shoppers and tourists. The bar serves fun bites like house Spam and black grape jelly with Texas toast paired to a menu of low-alcohol and Champagne cocktails. See our top items here, including visionary, gratifying yolk beignets wrapped in lardo and wagyu beef. 490 Geary St., 415-292-6430
21) Chubby Noodle Marina
With a soft opening on May 29, the long-fantastic original North Beach location of Chubby Noodle in the back of Amante bar has spawned a new Marina outpost. This Asian fusion gem from Don Pisto's Pete Mrabe and Nick Floulis serves creative noodle dishes, dumplings, poke, crudo and more with 13 wines on tap as well as a beer, sake and a low-alcohol cocktail on draft. We tried the entire menu and here are our favorites. 2205 Lombard St., 415-655-3335

Rye Parker House rolls at Causwells [Photo credit: Virginia Miller]
EAST BAY
22) Taiwan Bento
Soft opening at the end of August for Oakland's daytime lunch crowd, Taiwan Bento is from husband-and-wife team Stacy Tang and Willy Wang. They offer a range of Taiwanese-style bento dishes in various meat and vegetarian options, each with rice, pickled vegetables and a soft-boiled egg. For the moment, they are open Monday-Friday, 11:30 AM-2:30 PM. 412 22nd St., 510-250-9858
23) Jack's Oyster Bar & Fish House
Opened August 19, in Oakland’s Jack London Square, Jack’s Oyster Bar & Fish House is the second restaurant from Rick Hackett and Meredith Melville of next door Bocanova. Hackett crafted a seafood-dominant menu, ideal in Jack's waterfront setting with spacious outdoor patio gazing out at docked boats — pictured above — alongside Executive Chef Peter Villegas (Campton Place, La Mar, La Folie).  East and West Coast oysters flow and the house clam chowder ($9 bowl) is luxuriously creamy and smoky with bacon. Here are our initial recommends at this welcome new Oakland seafooder. 336 Water St., 510-271-7952
24) Shakewell
Top Chef alums and former Scala's Bistro chef Jen Biesty and pastry chef Tim Nugent opened their Oakland restaurant, Shakewell, on July 11. The airy space features Cal-Med cuisine with a Spanish emphasis, like boquerones, chicken albondigas, deviled quail eggs, lamb kefta. Nugent also puts forth some dreamy desserts and there are classic and seasonal, rotating cocktails, to boot. Our early standouts and recommended dishes and drinks here. 3407 Lakeshore Ave., 510-251-0329
25) alaMar, Oakland
Open May 1, alaMar, from chef-owner NYC-native Nelson German, is all about seafood. There’s a Louisiana-style crawfish boil and peel-and-eat Gulf shrimp, alongside playful seafood like coconut shrimp lollipops in champagne gastrique, dipped in Thai basil cocktail sauce. Cocktails by Rob Wertheimer continue in the playful spirit with punch bowls, sno-cones and house sodas. Our initial favorite items here. 100 Grand Ave.; 510-907-7555

Article and Photos Sourced From:  http://www.zagat.com/b/san-francisco/25-new-restaurants-to-try-in-the-bay-area?gclid=CjwKEAjw2reiBRCaobK3udOj-Q4SJACXWyYmLUFIMorMZbiSawmdsBBis-rBlkZeTRszEA7koZqOQBoCdkHw_wcB

Cat Town Cafe opening October 25, now taking reservations for the Cat Zone

Cat Town Café, the quirky concept that lets patrons spend quality time with ready-for-adoption kitties while noshing on artisan bagels and coffee, is just about ready to launch near Oakland’s Uptown.

Founders Ann Dunn and Adam Myatt have set Saturday, October 25, as the date for their Grand Opening at 29th Street and Broadway. And in fact, they’ve already held a few soft opening trial events, and their website is up and active for curious cat-seekers to book hour-long feline bonding sessions.

“It’s been quite the journey from when we started talking about it until now,” says Myatt. “It’s kind of insane—never in my life did I foresee this coming—but it’s felt really special the last two weeks actually seeing the people and cats interact in this space.”

Both Oakland residents with experience at local cat adoptions agencies, Dunn and Myatt generated buzz locally and even nationally when they announced plans for Cat Town.
The concept, popular in Japan but the first such example in the U.S., is to create a welcoming café environment where patrons can also spend time with rescue cats from Oakland Animal Services—hopefully facilitating more adoptions. People can sign up on the website to reserve one-hour sessions in the café’s “Cat Zone” for $10. Walk-ins are also available at no charge, but depend on availability. And in case you were worried, Myatt points out that the café and Cat Zone sections are kept completely separate for health reasons, both sanitary and otherwise.

Cat Town’s Ann Dunn and Adam Myatt. Photo: Facebook

“Just logistically, I know I’d hate to be pouring boiling water and have a cat jump up on me,” he says. “They’re kind of known for being trouble makers.”
While the heart-warming idea now seemed like it was destined to garner attention in the animal-loving Bay Area, the duo has been amazed, and grateful, at the help and attention they’ve received. They raised more than $40,000 via two crowd funding campaigns; popular East Bay vendors Bicycle Coffee and Authentic Bagel Co. signed up to supply coffee and bagels; local artists donated painted interior murals; and volunteers have even pitched in to help with construction.
“We’ve had a huge outpouring of community support,” Myatt says. “It’s been amazing.”
For more information and to sign up for the Cat Zone, go to cattowncafe.com.
Hours: Café: 8 a.m.–7 p.m.; Cat Zone: 10 a.m.–7 p.m.; Wed.–Sun.
Cat Town Café: 2869 Broadway, Oakland,


Article and Photos Sourced From:  http://insidescoopsf.sfgate.com/blog/2014/10/13/cat-town-cafe-opening-october-25-now-taking-reservations-for-the-cat-zone/

10 Ways to Snug Up Your Bedroom

What’s better on a crisp fall weekend morning than grabbing a cup of hot coffee and something to read and returning to a cozy bed? Make your bedroom the snuggest place around by layering rugs, blankets, twinkling lights, plump cushions and piles of books. You’ll probably have to get up eventually, but until then, here are 10 ideas to make your room perfect for snuggling in.

Denizen Design

1. Make a mini library. Whether you have room for floor-to-ceiling bookshelves complete with library ladders, or for just a teetering pile of favorite tomes beside the bed, books bring much warmth to the bedroom.

Consider swapping out bedside tables sans shelving for ones with a lower shelf for books, stacking books on a trunk at the foot of the bed or tucking a low bookcase beneath a bank of windows.

More ways to bring books to the bedroom

Chelsea Sachs Design

2. Stow extra throws in a woven basket. For wrapping up while you read in bed or pulling on in the middle of a chilly night, having a few spare throws on hand is never a bad idea. Keeping them in a basket creates decor and storage in one.

3. Add a wool rug. A toasty wool rug insulates cold floors and adds color and pattern — try a colorful kilim or dhurrie. Repeat a hue from the rug in a new toss pillow on the bed for a put-together look.

Kilim, Flokati, Beni Ourain, Boucherouite — What’s the Difference?

Annie Hall Interiors

4. Paint the walls a warm color. A rich, warm hue creates a cozy, enveloping mood in the bedroom.

If you prefer neutrals, you can’t miss with mocha or chocolate brown. But if you’re a color lover, why not go for something a bit bolder, like persimmon or even pink?

A deeper pink paint like the one used here is surprisingly sophisticated — especially when balanced with black accents and a traditional Oriental rug.

How to decorate with pink

Natalie Myers

5. Drape a mirror with fairy lights. This is such a quick and easy way to enhance the ambience in the bedroom — drape tiny white lights gently over a mirror so it will reflect the light.

Stephani Buchman Photography

6. Get something to sink your toes into. The alarm’s call on chilly mornings is a bit easier to face when you have something luxuriously plush to sink your toes into upon rising.

Try a sheepskin (real or fake) or a thick-pile rug. If you already have a flat-weave rug, layer a smaller, fluffier rug right on top for extra warmth.

Browse fluffy rugs in the Houzz Products section

Delson or Sherman Architects pc

If you have a large bedroom, a thick-pile rug on a large expanse of bare floor will help warm up the space considerably.

Popp Littrell Architecture + Interiors

7. Warm up with spicy orange accents. A mostly white bedroom is easy to change with the seasons — slip new covers on your pillows and fold a throw at the foot of the bed.

For fall, orange and orange-red accents are a reminder of the changing leaves outdoors.

How to decorate with orange

Rethink Design Studio

8. Swap artwork. Whether you collect original paintings, fine-art photography or affordable prints, changing the art on the walls is a great way to signal a shift in the season.

Hang a big beach scene in summer and swap it out for something that hints at the woods for fall and winter, like the adorable fox photo shown here.

10 Design Strategies for Art Lovers

Kelly Hoppen London

9. Layer deliciously textured bedding. Use silk, velvet and linen to create an inviting range of textures on the bed. Stick with analogous colors — hues that are next to one another on the color wheel — like soft green, blue and lilac, for a serene look.

8 Great Color Palettes: Surprising Bedroom Neutrals

Jodi Fleming / Fleming Distinctive Homes

For a more rustic look, mix nubby linen or crisp cotton sheets with cozy wool blankets and hooked-wool pillows.

How to get a perfectly polished bedroom

Hammond Design

10. Pull up a window seat. As we head toward winter, any way of maximizing light is most welcome. Pull a chair up close to the window, where you (or a furry friend) can sit with a cup of coffee, savoring the sun.

Sarah Jefferys Design

Save Photo

With sheepskins on a bank of window seats and a fluffy rug on the floor, this bedroom provides multiple spots in which to warm up.

Tell us: How are you making your bedroom snuggly for fall? Share a photo in the Comments!


Photos and article sourced from:  http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/32697597/list/10-ways-to-snug-up-your-bedroom

Turning Wine into Wax

Truckee’s Rescued Wine candles illuminate second life for bottles

Twice a week, Craig Davies picks up large bins of used glass bottles from casinos in Reno and brings them back to Truckee, where he picks through the recyclables to find green Wycliff Sparkling Wine bottles. The tops of the bottles are cut off and put into recycling once more, while the bottoms are used for his candles. This commitment to recycling and sustainability is one of the reasons that Rescued Wine now sells to more than 600 retail stores nationwide and in four countries.

Davies, who also owns Tahoe Candle Company, has been selling under the Rescued Wine moniker for just two years, but the business has expanded exponentially. In addition to the hundreds of stores nationwide and the 10 stores locally that carry the product, the candles are also sold in Canada, Japan, the Bahamas, and the Turks and Caicos. The local company even scored a contract to sell its candles with the Steal Your Face logo on them, exclusively on the official Grateful Dead website, dead.net. The Grateful Dead candles will be available mid-October.

“This has taken off so much. We take it one day at a time,” said Davies, who runs the company with his wife Amy. “We’re busy and at full capacity. We will be working from now until Christmas.”
Davies, who used to own a retail candle shop in downtown Truckee, said he likes using wine bottles as candle bases because of the high quality, thick glass, which is hard to buy. Although there is more labor involved — each bottle is hand-cut, grinded, smoothed, and slapped with a label — Davies said he likes the idea of saving bottles from landfills and reusing a product instead of buying new. The company’s five employees go through 500 bottles a week on average, and during peak seasons they produce 1,000 candles weekly.

Additionally, the company uses 100 percent all-natural soy wax made from soybeans grown in the U.S., which Davies says gives the candles a cleaner burn — no toxins, carcinogens, or pollutants — and they burn up to 80 hours. The wax is heated and the candles are made by hand in small batches, 88 at a time. The candles have fragrances that are infused with essential oils that are also inspired by wine — cabernet (the best seller), champagne, chardonnay, citrus grove, merlot, palm sangria, pinot noir, Riesling, and sauvignon blanc.

Giving Back
In addition to focusing on the environment, Rescued Wine gives 2 percent of every sale to animal rescue organizations like the Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe, Pibbles and More Animal Rescue in New York, and Muttville in San Francisco. Amy is a devoted animal lover and rescuer, and even rescued their dog Coco from a shelter in Fallon, Nev. The Rescued Wine logo sports a St. Bernard, which Craig says is a “Tahoe tie-in,” reminiscent of the mountains and ski patrol. Amy said the company combines both of their passions — hers being animals and his being recycling (Craig’s family recycles furniture in New York). The couple also has two children, Will and Makenna.
“We’re animal lovers,” Craig explained. “My wife volunteers at the humane society and fosters dogs. It’s a big component that we wanted to give back.”

Rescued Wine also sells a candle with the High Fives Foundation logo on it, and 50 percent of the proceeds from the sale of that candle go back to the local nonprofit.

“We really enjoy being a partner with them, mostly because their candles smell great,” said Becca Lefranowicz, outreach coordinator for the High Fives Foundation. “We appreciate that they use good ingredients and are environmentally friendly.”

And while Rescued Wine has taken off nationally, Craig says it still has a local focus. The company sells its candles at Truckee Thursdays, and offers spin-off products like necklaces and earrings only in Truckee.

“As we grow and sell nationally, our roots are here in Truckee,” Craig said. “We want to keep our roots in Truckee and give back locally.”

Rescued Wine candles are sold for $28 each and can be found at Mountain Hardware, Riverside Studios, High Camp Home, Abode, Tahoe Provisions in the Hyatt in Incline Village, Truckee River Winery, the Tahoe City Visitors Center, The Potlatch, the Village at Squaw Valley, and Whole Foods in Reno.

For Additional Info and to Purchase these nifty recycled creations: Rescued Wine, (530) 587-7947, rescuedwinecandles.com

Original Article:  http://www.moonshineink.com/news/turning-wine-wax 
 

Fall Landscaping, for Beauty and Profit

With the fall season fully upon us in the Bay Area, any landscaping projects that you haven’t already started will have to wait until spring, right?

Wrong. Landscape professionals say that autumn is the perfect time to plant bulbs and prepare your yard for the coming spring and summer. And if you’re thinking of selling your house in the coming months, you shouldn’t wait until spring to make sure the yard is in tip-top shape.
In fact, researchers at Virginia Tech found that upgrading a home’s landscape from “average” to “excellent” can raise its overall value by 10 to 12 percent.

A $150,000 home with no landscaping could fetch an additional $8,300 to $19,000 by adding a landscape with color and large plants, according to a report from the school’s Department of Horticulture. And the bonus increases exponentially for higher-priced homes.

“The most preferred landscape included a sophisticated design with large deciduous, evergreen, and annual color plants and colored hardscape,” according to the report. Adding different plant sizes to a front yard, for example, can boost curb appeal, as can mixing fruit trees and flowers for added color.
Design sophistication is the most important consideration, followed by plant size and diversity of plants.

“Survey results showed that relatively large landscape expenditures significantly increase perceived home value and will result in a higher selling price than homes with a minimal landscape,” the report noted. “The resulting increase in ‘curb appeal’ of the property may also help differentiate a home in a subdivision where house styles are similar and thereby attract potential buyers into a home.
“This advantage is especially important in a competitive housing market,” the report concluded — as if it had been written especially for Bay Area homebuyers and sellers.

Looking for more landscaping tips? Check out the website of the Professional Landcare Network, the national trade association for landscape professionals. It offers a full page of fall landscaping tips.

(Image: Flickr/Andrea_44)
 

You’ve Cat to Be Kitten Me Right Meow! These Top 10 Kittens Put the Aww in Adorable!

Here are ten of the cutest (in no particular order!) kittens we have ever seen! Which one is your favorite?

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See original Blog Post and Photos at:  http://blog.theanimalrescuesite.com/kittentopten/

Reality is Relative: Cirque du Soliel SF - KURIOS

 What if you could alter reality at will? Delve into a world of curiosity where seeing is disbelieving: the world of  KURIOS™ – Cabinet of Curiosities from Cirque du Soleil®. The show immerses you in a mysterious and fascinating realm that disorients your senses and challenges your perceptions, leaving you to wonder: "Is it real, or just a figment of my imagination?"

Step into the curio cabinet of an ambitious inventor who defies the laws of time, space and dimension in order to reinvent everything around him. Suddenly, the visible becomes invisible, perspectives are transformed, and the world is literally turned upside down in a place that’s as beautiful as it is mysterious.

KURIOS – Cabinet of Curiosities is an ingenious blend of unusual curiosity acts and stunning acrobatic prowess from Cirque du Soleil. Let KURIOS show you that anything is possible through the power of imagination.

 

Check out their website for additional information and tickets:

http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/shows/kurios/show/about.aspx

Bay Area Sees Busiest September for Home Sales in 5 Years

Homebuyers across the Bay Area were in the game as the usually brisk fall real estate season began, propelling September sales-volume numbers to the highest level since 2009.
According to a new report from CoreLogic DataQuick, Bay Area buyers scooped up a total of 7,443 single-family homes and condominiums across the nine-county region in September, a year-over-year gain of 4.2 percent. It was the busiest September for our local real estate markets in five years, when 7,879 properties changed hands.The company says that both overflow activity from the summer and the Bay Area’s vigorous economy helped to spur sales.

On an annual basis, the number of home sales increased in five Bay Area counties, with San Mateo seeing the largest gain, 16.9 percent. Of the four local counties where home sales dropped since last September, Napa and Marin saw the most substantial decreases – 17.6 and 10 percent respectively.
Year-over-year home price changes were more consistent, with all nine counties reporting increases and seven seeing upticks in the double-digit percentage range. The regional median home price was $604,000 in September, up 14 percent from a year ago but short of levels observed earlier in the year. According to CoreLogic DataQuick, the median home price in the Bay Area has been steadily dropping since June.

Annual sales price gains ranged from 17.3 percent in Marin County to 8.5 percent in Santa Clara County. San Francisco had the highest median sales price in the region at $938,000.

CoeLogic DataQuick says that the Bay Area’s overall real estate market is continuing to stabilize, noting that foreclosure activity is down significantly from both annual and peak levels. In September, foreclosures accounted for 2.8 percent of sales, down from 3.6 percent one year ago. Bay Area foreclosures topped out in February 2009, when they made up more than half of all transactions.
All-cash offers and investor activity were both down slightly from a year ago, taking a bit of heat off Bay Area home shoppers who have been struggling to compete in one of the nation’s tightest residential real estate markets.

Absentee buyers, which CoreLogic DataQuick classifies as mostly investors, bought 19.1 percent of Bay Area homes in September, down from 20.9 percent one year ago. The company says that 20.9 percent of sales across the region were all-cash deals, a year-over-year decrease of 2.4 percentage points.

Where Does California Rank on a List of Property-Tax Rates? You May Be Surprised.

We love it when facts runs totally contrary to conventional wisdom.

Case in point: The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) this week released a report on state real estate taxes across the nation, citing data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s latest American Community Survey. Living in high-tax California, we would absolutely expect to see the Golden State way up on the list of largest real estate taxes paid.

And sure enough, California had the 11th highest annual median real estate tax bill among the 50 states and Washington, D.C. in 2013 — $3,015.

Northeast states tended to have the highest tax bills, with New Jersey No. 1 in the nation at $7,331. The lowest taxes paid were in the South — Alabamans (they ranked 51st) paid $532. So California was solidly on the side of big-tax states.

But wait. Number-crunchers at the NAHB went on to note that it would also be useful to compared real estate tax rates. Most counties sets their own real estate tax rates, but dividing taxes paid statewide by the aggregate value of homes within a state reveals an effective real estate tax rate for each state.

By that calculation, the picture changes dramatically.

California, it turns out, has an effective tax rate of 0.77 percent, owing to its expensive real estate. It ranked 34th among the states.

To be sure, New Jersey is still No. 1 when it comes to real estate tax rates, at 2.09 percent, and Alabama was only one step above the bottom, at 0.39 percent. (Hawaii’s rate was 0.29 percent.) But California, in fact, sits quite comfortably among the low-tax-rate states.

Of course, this may be scant consolation for Bay Area homeowners who still pay hefty taxes for their high-value homes, but it’s worth noting a more accurate source of the pain.

The link at the top of this article will take you to the NAHB’s real estate tax report. For a look at the complete state rankings, including median home values, click here. 

(Image: Flickr/Colin Harris ADE)