"When the lights go down in the city"

Friday, it was rainy, and a bit cool. We could only take the F Streetcar as far as the Ferry Building because of a Veteran's Day Parade.



We wandered around the Financial District to kill time before meeting a friend at Chez Fayala. Taking notice of Occupy San Francisco.







Frank wanted a coffee, it was the first time we had to work to find a coffee shop. Usually, we pass several, this time we had to walk a block. 11:30 rolled around, we walked over to Chez Fayala and Mary met us a few minutes later. Frank got some goodies from the salad bar. Mary and I ordered sandwiches, spicy chicken for her and roasted veggie for me.





We both had a side of caesar salad and we all got free soup since it was our first visit. It was a tasty healthful lunch. It was great catching up with Mary. She had to get back to work so we parted ways.

We were off to the Tenderloin. It's the one neighborhood we hadn't yet visited. I was armed with a list of restaurants to try so we hopped on the bus in search of them. First stop was Saigon Sandwich. We shared roast pork banh mi. It was absolutely delicious. We both loved it. We now adopted a Vietnamese grandmother. Sandwiches were $3, too. It was such a great find.



Next, we wandered over to Morty's Deli. They recommended the pastrami rueben so we shared that. It was the weakest sandwich we had the whole trip, but it was still pretty good.



There were a couple other restaurants on my list, but we couldn't eat anymore. I need to find a way to travel with a second stomach. In fact, at our hotel, there was a Denny's (ick) I wanted to steal the diners' hunger. That stomach space could be better used in so many ways. It made me cry on the inside. But anyway, we hopped on a bus and soon we found ourselves back at the wharf.

We were going to take the Hyde line, but one of the cable cars broke down. We waited a good while, but then gave up as the rain came down harder.





We returned to the hotel for a short bit to wait out the showers. Then, we headed back to Petite Deli for another one of Young's sandwiches. We shared her chicken this time. It was near closing time so it was pretty slow and Young had time to chat with us. We learned how she got started, she's been there over 20 years making sandwiches in that tiny space. She has a real estate story to tell, just like us, but her's made ours burn a bit less. Despite everything, she's always in high spirits each and every day. She figures she'll retire in a few more years. So, we'll get to enjoy her kindness and yummy sandwiches a while longer.

We said good-bye until next time, and set off as soon as we stepped outside it started raining cats and dogs. We hurried (used loosely, I have one speed in my boot) back to the hotel. After a late siesta, we walked over to Fort Mason to check out Off The Grid food truck festival.



There is a large hill on the way, I managed up it. I felt like the little engine that could - I think I can, I think I can - but I did it without much trouble. I was winded, it was the most exercise I've had since busting my ankle in August. There was another couple walking that way, and the girl didn't want to go. Her better half pointed at me and said "she's doing it, and she's in a boot!" It made me feel good.

After the climb up the hill, I had a steep set of stairs to climb down. I managed that, too. Woohoo! My reward was tasty eats from a variety of San Francisco food trucks. Our first stop was Nom Nom. They were recently in Vegas for a fest here that we weren't able to make. We tried a deli banh mi, but we didn't like it much.



Next, we had a lamb kabob and dumplings from Happy Dumpling. The lamb was pretty chewy, but the dumplings were good.



I have no experience with Peruvian food so went I saw Sanguchon, I had to try it. We had the pan con chicharron, which was a yummy sandwich with fried yams and pork loin. We both liked it a lot!



After that, we couldn't resist a duck taco from Kung Fu Taco. It, too, was really good.



Our last stop was Onigilly for Japanese rice balls. We had unagi, grilled eel and sweet soy sauce. I would've liked it better with less soy sauce, it was too salty for my liking.



We left the festival and took the bus to North Beach. Can you tell it's our favorite neighborhood? Nah, I didn't think so. We went to La Trappe to check out their beer selection. The bar was packed like six people deep, we were told we'd have to wait for a table. After 30 minutes, we were told there was no waiting upstairs... why we sat and waited in the cellar, I never know. We were seated and given a beer book, gotta love that. I had a Belgium Blonde Ale. Frank had something similar to a Hefe. Both were great beers. We ordered fries with spicy ketchup and BBQ aioli, and potato leek soup.





The soup was bland, but the fries were good. They reminded me of a thicker cut In N Out fry. We'll return to La Trappe, but we'll stick to the beer.

Later, we found ourselves back at Thai Noodle House. I wanted to try their duck noodle soup and Frank tried the pad thai. It was the cheap beers that brought us back, however.





Both dishes were tasty, but we can get better Thai at home. The price sure is right, though. Once again, we were too full for any more stops so we went back to the hotel to rest up for another day.

"Be sure to wear some flowers in your hair"

Thursday we began our day at the Ferry Building. We collected our bread: onion slab, cheese wheel, rosemary and rustic rolls, our meat: salami and mortadella platter, dipping oil from Stone House and then we were left to wait for Cowgirl Creamery to open. We gawked at all the fresh produce and meats, if only I had a place to cook!!

M'mmm... Acme bread...



and Cowgirl Creamery! Look at all that glorious cheese!



We wanted it all, but we tried to be practical and stuck to one wedge of peccorino. We took our haul back to the hotel. We dug in! It wasn't pretty, but good god it was fantastic. We stuffed ourselves silly with bread, meat and cheese. We did manage to save cheese and bread for a snack.

We wandered around the financial district, enjoying the beautiful day and trying to work up a hunger. I stopped in the Container Store because I had never been, it's a neat place. Much like Ikea, so much stuff I never knew I needed. We stopped at cigar shop and Frank bought one to his liking. Later, we rode the bus back to North Beach and walked over to Petite Deli to see our old friend Young, she's the Korean grandmother we never had. She is the sweetest lady and she turns out delicious sandwiches in her wee deli. She remembered us, she started us with a sampler of her pasta and potato salad while she worked on our turkey delight.

Young's is the only potato salad I like, lack of mayo and addition of basil makes all the difference.



We shared the turkey delight on dutch crunch. We've never ordered this sandwich before assuming it was like Capriotti's "Bobbie", but it's not. It's light, and a nice blend of sweet and savory with turkey, cheese, lettuce, avocado and cranberries. I never like cranberries in any form, but these were good. I don't know Young's secret, but she makes me love things I don't otherwise enjoy.



We stopped next door at XOX Truffles for a treat. Flavors we chose were: spicy cayenne Tequila, hazelnut and dark chocolate. Little bites of heaven.

We returned to the Wharf and went in search of a place to watch the world go by. We found an observation tower across from the Maritime Museum that suited us well. We soaked up the sun and sea breezes and simply enjoyed the day. It was the first warm and sunny day we've ever had in San Francisco.











After such long glances at Ghirardelli Square, we couldn't resist walking over to grab a dark hot fudge sundae. It hit the spot! After our snack, we resumed watching the world go by. Then, the sun hid behind the buildings and 4 o'clock neared, it was time to go back to the hotel. Frank had a conference call and there was a bed calling my name. The walking and fresh air made me sleepy.

We napped and then snacked on bread and dipping oil before heading out for Beach Blanket Babylon. We made good time to the theater so we grabbed beers at Northstar beforehand. Cute bar, just our style and $3 Stella during happy hour! We watched Chargers vs. Oakland. We left just after halftime. Seating at show is first come, first serve so we didn't want to get seated too late. We were in the third row of the rear section on the aisle. Our seats were great for $25/ea. The show is a lot of fun! I couldn't believe how current it was, they had bits about Kim Kardashian's divorce, Justin Bieber's paternity suit and Rick Perry's brain fart, which had just happened the night before. It was good fun! We were really happy we finally saw it and will likely see it again.

For dinner, we walked over to King of Thai Noodle House. Practically everything on the menu is $5, and beers are cheap too. I was drinking Singha and Frank had Tsingtao, both $3. We had Pad See Ew and egg rolls. It wasn't the best Thai I've had, but it was pretty tasty and the cheapest.





We wandered around North Beach for our next bite. We stumbled on Golden Boy Pizza. I had it on my list of places to try and Frank scoffed, but the pizzas in the window sold us.

We grabbed a seat at the bar. A sausage slice and Speakeasy brew for him and a clam, spinach and garlic slice and Red Hook ESB for me. Best Sicilian slice ever. Light dough, crisp crust... yum! The sausage was the real winner.





After noshing on the delicious slices we wandered North Beach more. We just love that neighborhood. It has such charm and the streets are lined with mom and pop shops. It is known as little Italy, but the area is really a melting pot. There are great restaurants that serve up all kinds of food. Once you add in the clubs and bars it feels a bit like home. Just far less commercial. If only it rained less and most days were sunny like this one, we'd so live in North Beach. It was then I decided I pink puffy heart North Beach. We sought out Don Pisto's for our last bite. We figured every other type of food has been great why not try Mexican. Don Pisto's is pretty swank and the eats are really good. Great salsa and chips to start! We had carnitas and tacos al pastor. Very tasty. Though, I was unable to finish. I was too full.



We had no room left to eat or drink so we walked back to the hotel to rest up for the next day.

"Save Me, San Francisco"

Our San Francisco trip got underway Wednesday evening. We parked at the economy lot at McCarran this time, instead of valet at MGM. The economy lot is $8/day so it's cheaper than taxis on shorter trips. There is a free shuttle from the lot to the terminal, it was convenient and timely.

Security coming and going was slow because of my boot. I had to be patted and swabbed before proceeding to the terminal. At least, TSA was consistent. Our 5:10 Southwest flight wasn't full so we were able to spread out, we even secured the first row of seats so we were the first ones off the plane when we touched down in San Francisco. We took the tram to Bart and soon we were in the heart of the city. We bought our 3 day Muni pass at the Powell Station vendor and we walked over to the cable car, we took the Hyde line and we were at our hotel fairly quick. I booked the Holiday Inn Fisherman's Wharf for $98/night on hotwire. We entered on the Columbus side of the hotel, but at check in we were told our room was actually in the Beach Building next door. We were a bit scared by what the condition of that building might be like... we've been stuck in the Manor rooms at Circus Circus so we prepared ourselves for the worst. However, other than one elevator out of order and the other one being slow, it was in good condition and the accomodations were quite comfortable.

It was 9:30 by the time we settled into our room. We only had food on our mind, it took a couple quick searches before deciding on Crab House on Pier 39. The F Street car stop is right out the door of the hotel, it was incredibly convenient. We hopped on that to take us down the wharf. The Crab House was very busy, they sat us in a side room that was later filled by a large party. We easily chose the crab dinner for two, and we started with crab cakes.



The crabcakes were crisp and full of delicious Dungeness crab. They whet our appetite for the feast that was about to ensue.



Yummy. Yum. Yum.



We devoured it. We were proud members of the clean plate club.



Only carnage remained.



We rolled ourselves out of the Crab House, walked around the pier a bit before taking the F Streecar to the end of the line. We went to Fiddler's Green, an Irish bar, which we liked last visit. I drank Trumer Pils and Frank had couple beers that I cannot recall. We closed out our tab and walked back to the hotel. We crashed with high anticipation for the next day.

Stayin' Alive

We had a fantastic time in San Francisco, but before I tell you all about our trip, I'll share details of our dinner last night at Beso inside Crystals at CityCenter.

A couple months ago, I bought a travelzoo voucher which offered a champagne dinner for two for $79. With all the noise about bankruptcies at Eve and Beso. I was unsure how long the restaurant would be able to keep its doors open.

So far, so good. Beso is stayin' alive. They actually had a large crowd dining last night. I would not expect tables to be near capacity on a Sunday evening, but they did just that.

We received warm bread and soft butter to get us started. That's always a good combo, all too often we run into room temperature bread and ice cold butter.

With the voucher we had our choice of appetizer, two soups or salads, two entrees and a shared dessert.

We began with calamari. This was a good version, tender with a light crisp breading. Topped with tomatoes, peppers, cojita cheese and served with lime and two dipping sauces.



Next, we had the Beso Caprese with avocado and the seafood louie salad.





Frank's caprese was the better choice by far, there was nothing notable about the louie - at all.





Then, for entrees, Frank had the 16oz NY strip and I went with a 12oz filet. Both were really good, with a nice crust. Neither of us could finish. We haven't had that much red meat in a long while.



Dessert was churros with caramel sauce and chantilly cream. Yum! Not sure how, she can't possibly eat any of those recipes but Eva knows food... or at least, hired people that know food. I was pleasantly surprised.

Another Edition of Misc Monday

I didn't think I'd take so long to make it back here. I have nothing too exciting to note. We've been hanging at home anticipating our trip to San Francisco. Cannot wait. Been trying our best to stay warm, it's been unusually cold. Brrr! Also, been dreading the darkness that comes with daylight savings. Why, oh, why can't we follow Arizona's footsteps? It was completely dark at 5 o'clock yesterday. These days are only going to get shorter. Boo. C'mon December 23, mama needs her sunshine. Just gotta get past the winter solstice.

This weekend our friends came up from Oceanside, CA. The Marine Corp ball was held at Planet Hollywood. We visited a bit, and then, they dressed in their best and had their first night away from their son, James. He will be two next month, so it's been a long time coming. James was a trooper away from mom & dad, he didn't make a single fuss. I was able to keep up with him pretty well given my bum ankle. The fun had with him has me even more excited for Nicky's visit. They arrive next week, weee!

Yesterday, we had lunch at D'Amore in the Miracle Mile shops. It's a chain based in LA, we met the owner, he told us all about his grandmother's recipes and how the secret is the water. They originally trucked it in from Boston, but now it all comes from Italy. Supposedly, the pizza has won awards for best pizza and healthiest slice. Compared to pizza I've had in Los Angeles, the pizza is decent, but once we start talking the whole country. Absolutely not. Cities across the country do better NY-style slices, including Las Vegas. That said, D'Amore's grandmother has some great recipes. The eggplant involtini stuffed with spaghetti is something special. I can't say it's worth a special trip, but if you're seeking a cheap bite while at Planet Hollywood this will hit the spot.

Last week, I meant to share photos of the room my mom had at Red Rock. She redeemed a comped night there after the fiasco at the Plaza. Her and Mike both enjoyed the upgrade and the awesome views (as did I), but took a beating in the casino. Those comped rooms are never free.

Plaza: Take 2

You might remember me sharing my experience with Plaza's grand opening and my mention that my first impression was lipstick on a pig. Well, impressions have not changed. I never detailed the troubles my mom experienced during her stay, but it was a comedy of errors. My mom and Mike failed to find the humor, however. I don't blame them. They were shuffled around til the wee hours of the morning.

The first room, the one I saw, was actually occupied by other guests. They moved my mom to another room. There were no lights in the bathroom or sink area. The windows had film making it extremely dark. Front desk said someone would be right up. An hour later, it's midnight, btw, someone from maintenance shows and he says it's going to take him a while. She calls the front desk, it rings, rings and rings. No answer. He tries. No answer. He calls the operator, they were able to track down assistance. They give her a third room. She makes them meet her with keys rather than making the trek to the front desk again. It's well into the early morning she demands late check out for the inconveniences. After some probing, they agree. 2 o'clock late check out.

The third room is non-smoking, they tell her never mind it (as a non-smoker, I hate this) and they'll send housekeeping up with an ashtray. She waits and waits. She leaves and figures they can leave it in the room.

She playing slots in the casino early morning a man befriends her, interested in her play and wins. He roots her on, hooting and hollering. Then, asks for $5, cig and money again. Each time getting in her face. She's uncomfortable but no one is around, not security a waitress. No one. Finally, she cashed out and went directly to the cashier. She complained about the man and requested an escort to her room. Security showed and led her up without issue.

No ashtray in the room upon her return. She crashes as the sun comes up. Noon, housekeeping is pounding on the door. Check out was at 11:00.

She's disgusted, I don't blame her. I told her to ask for the hotel/operations manager. She did, she asked to have her stay refunded and for a $50 comp to Hash House A Go Go to compensate for the troubles. It was given to her.

You'd think that'd be the end of it, but it wasn't. They later charged her credit card for the stay. The credited her, and charged it again. They made a mess of her bill. After more complaint calls it was finally resolved and she was giving two free nights to come back and give them another try.

She cashed those two free nights in over the Halloween weekend. The first room they were given was dirty. Again! They offered a junior suite, but it was non-smoking. She wanted smoking. Rather than chancing another ordeal. She told them to send maid service up to clean the room. Of course, even that didn't go smoothly. In short, she ended up asking for another $50 Hash House A Go Go comp for the troubles. They honored her request again.

Saturday, I met her and Mike at the Plaza for lunch at HHAGG. The rooms now have soap and bed skirts. The hotel room window was clean. The pool was open. The ice machine on the 21st floor was not in order. Mike did find ice on the 24th floor. We walked from the room thru the casino to the restaurant. I had an asthma attack in the process. It seems they're now using that "air freshener" that some others use that stinks to high heavens. If they keep that up, I won't be able to step foot inside, just like at TI. After lunch, I walked back using the third floor access. The bingo hall has been updated and Exposed Salon is open for business... Skimpy outfits those hairdressers wear. I suppose that is the point.

Mom's forgiveness stay didn't sway her to return to the Plaza. In fact, even her HHAGG experience was an ordeal, but I'll get to that in a minute. She's going to use her next free stay (marketing offer) at Vegas Club. She's going to give them another shot over there, if they still can't provide her a stress-free stay. She'll cash in her points and stay & play elsewhere.

At HHAGG, Mike and I both got hash; corned beef for him and chorizo for me. They were good, better than usual, really, typically I hate their potatoes. These were flavorful and crisp. Mom got her usual, the pork tenderloin Benedict. The first few bites were fine, but as she sliced into the thicker part of the tenderloin it was raw. They offered to bring her something else, but she had lost her appetite. She asked if she could come back on Sunday (since she was staying the night) and have breakfast instead. The manager came over, apologized and offered that to her. She was sick overnight and into the morning. Still feeling queasy, she asked HHAGG to extend the offer until another visit. They were reluctant to do so. It took much convincing, but in the end they extended the replacement meal.

This has really snow balled into a nightmare. It really makes me long for the Plaza of yesteryear when Jackie ran the show.

Mad About Waffles?

Are you mad about waffles? Then, I have the place just for you. Check out WaffleS Cafe on Fort Apache, just south of Tropicana. This cheery cafe has a walk up counter where you make your waffle dreams come true. You can choose your waffle and your topping(s) or choose from any of the existing combinations. Options range from the savory to the extremely sweet.

My mom and I had a late breakfast here on Sunday. They have a daily special for $5.49 that offers a waffle with eggs, bacon or sausage, and coffee. Fresh fruit and other waffle toppings are available for an additional fee. We both chose the breakfast special with bacon. Just fresh strawberries for me and butter for her. Eggs were fine, bacon was crisp, but a bit small. The waffle was great. It's nice and light, crisp, yet chewy and not doughy at all. The griddle marks are deep so your toppings melt right in. Coffee is self serve.

It's a nice option close to home. And it's worth the drive for any waffle fanatic.