Queenkv’s Brainpickings

Currently listening to the Amelie soundtrack and catching up on Top Chef and my blog reading. I am wiped out from the work week. I know it’s only Thursday.

My positive vibes recharge after watching shows about food and reading about amazing meals. Over the years, I found more comfort in good food and my waistline showed that. I try to balance out the adventurous eating with running and yoga.

In California, I drove almost 600 miles — from Sacramento to Fresno. It wiped me out almost every day, but tasty California meals helped me unwind from those road trips — Indian, Thai, California pizza and more. I also found time to run a few miles in Fremont.

Then we headed over to San Francisco to check out the Cal v. Oregon game and visit our favorite San Francisco couple, Susan and Tom.

originally uploaded by queenkv.

Many tourists with rental cars try to stop by Treasure Island. I can’t get enough of this beautiful view of the City by the Bay. When my brother came home from basic training, we stopped here to say hello to San Francisco. I remember a dorm-mate introduced me to this beautiful sight at night…before we hopped on a cable ride from Powell Street to the Wharf. We asked some European visitors to snap this shot for us. Sunny weather, sea breeze, the cityscape, the Bay Bridge and a wonderful weekend with my hubby — frozen in time on our digital camera.

originally uploaded by queenkv.

Susan, Tom, Mark and I couldn’t get enough of the foie gras at Piperade. Susan made dinner reservations at this Basque-inspired haunt on Battery Street. On the web site, the chef describes his food as “West Coast Basque” cuisine. Fresh, decadent ingredients with a rustic touch. This was one of the best meals of my California vacation — amazing haute cuisine in a cozy brick dining spot…good friends, cocktails and conversation.

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Last week, I finished watching Bourdain’s No Reservation trip to Tuscany. He visited one of the grand-daddy’s of butcher shops in the region. That’s where he sliced off pieces of serrano ham from a pig’s leg. On Saturday night, I followed in his footsteps. Moist, savory and the meaty goodness melted in my mouth.

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Of course, after a number of cocktails and one bottle of red wine — Tom got his culinary groove on.

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And Mark was Tom’s partner in kitchen gangsta crime.

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I also adored the calamari. In California, I always do my best to get my fill of fresh seafood.

originally uploaded by queenkv.

OK can’t remember what type of fish Susan ordered. I remember it tasted fresh, delicate and oh so frickin’ good. It floated on top of a spinach mixture. I do remember having a wonderful time, slightly buzzed and happy to be home. Good Times.

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