Kasa

I have been longing to try Kasa in the Castro, but every time I try to swing casually by on my way home it is impossible to find a parking spot. So, for a year plus, I have been stuck with drive-by daydreams about kati rolls and Kingfisher beer.

Last week, the parking gods were with me!

I popped in to grab a quick dinner on another night I was late leaving work.  Per their advice, I decided to try two kati rolls and selected the chicken tikka masala (because it draws rave reviews on Yelp) as well as the daily vegetarian special, aloo gobi.  I generally eat vegetarian when eating Indian because the options are so varied and flavorful, and I loved that Kasa has a rotating veg special on their menu. 
 
The roti wraps were buttery and pliable and the fillings spicy and well seasoned.  As excited as I was for the veg option, I don't think the cumin and coriander did enough to offset the blandness of the cauliflower ... overall it could have used a bit more kick.  I did appreciate the healthy dollop of raita in which to dip my kati. 
 
One of the nicest discoveries at Kasa was their commitment to natural, local ingredients.  Thank you, Kasa, for your commitment to good homestyle neighborhood food and a greener environment.

Sriracha mayo: obsession?

For dinner tonight I am enjoying a crab cake courtesy of Whole Foods, and some steamed broccoli ... served with my current favorite side, sriracha mayo.  Obsession?

Roadside Project Readers' Poll

The Roadside Project continues this afternoon when I get on the road to Tahoe.  Looking to you all for advice on where to stop next:

1- Eppie's
2- Cattlemen's
3- Little Wren Cafe
4- Other

What roadside joints have you eyed alongside I-80 and always wondered about? Let me satiate your curiosity while I satiate my appetite...

Breakfast at the SF Farmers' Market

Saturday morning I took advantage of being on the wrong time zone (operating on EST after a trip to eastern Canada) and enjoyed an early morning jaunt to the Farmers' Market.  Though there was no line for the porchetta sandwich at Roli Roti, it was too early to think about digesting pig fat, as tasty as it was. So, I headed for the Cap'n Mike's Holy Smoke salmon at the back of the market.

This time I tried the sockeye salmon, served with capers, Meyer lemon, and pickled onions on the usual Acme bread with cream cheese.  The sockeye was a bit bolder in color and flavor than the other choices of albacore or northwest style salmon, but I was in the mood to try something new.  I'm converted.  The sprinkle of lavender salt on top was a perfect accent!  I love Farmers' Market breakfasts!

A little down time in Toronto at Splendido

On my first night in Toronto, I was looking for a restaurant where I could enjoy a good meal and some relaxing company while warming up to the city's vibe.  I was actually aiming for the Harbord Room, recommended by a friend for quality cocktails and a good bar-side meal.  On this particular Monday night, the Harbord Room was surprisingly closed for a private party, but my kind cab driver turned off the meter and drove me around the neighborhood to peek in several different places until I found one that fit the bill. 

I walked into Splendido and sat at the bar, one of several people about to enjoy a surprisingly fine meal on that random Monday night.

I ordered a glass of Bordeaux and reviewed the menu with the help of the bartender. The first dish I ordered was a runaway success: arctic char lightly cured and served with crisped La Ratte potatoes, a bit of watercress, and a smoked creme fraiche. The second dish (scallops over cauliflower puree with an oxtail ravioli) was an interesting combination of flavors but the sameness of color and texture truly disappointed. 

Nonetheless, between the finely executed starter, the delightful company of the bartender (knowledgeable, charming, and a bit handsome to boot), and a lovely glass of wine I found Toronto and I off to a splendid start.