Chie "Humbleness is overrated" J.'s Profile

I was so excited when this Bristol Farms first opened but I was disappointed.  I used to shop at Bristol Farms at least a few times a week when I lived in Long Beach.  The reasons I loved Bristol Farms in Southern California (Yes I have been to all of their locations multiple times) are Variety of Produce, Meets, Cheese, Pantry, Bakery and most importantly the knowledgeable and passionate staff.  I always enjoyed talking about beautiful seasonal vegetables, gorgeous cuts of meet and fabulous baked goods with them.

The reasons I was disappointed with the San Francisco location were: 1. Their focus is prepared food.  The grocery section is very limited compared to the other locations.  2. Their Bakery is not good at all.  Everything I bought from them including cookies, pies, bread, and pastries were not worth eating.  3. The staff are just "worker".  Non of them are knowledgeable nor passionate about food.  

BUT TODAYI was soooooooo HAPPY to find Jamon Iberico de Bellota there.  Iberico is a black haired free-range acorn eating pig from Spain (you can read about it on my favorite Spanish food website http://www.tienda... )  Sooooo amazingly delicious.   I will give this Bristol Farms 5 stars just for having Jamon Iberico de Bellota.  (FYI it is $129.99 / LB very reasonably priced!!) oh they also have my favorite Häagen-Dazs Green Tee flavor)

I go to Grand Cafe once a week these days...  Right now I am into their perfectly shucked oysters, succulent lobster halves served cold, and plump king crab legs while enjoying their tasty absolut peppar bloody marry .  

I also like the truffle fondue, "real" stake tartar and other great petite plates.  I have eaten at Grand Cafe / petite Cafe at least 10 times in the last few month but I didn't even have one dish or wine I didn't like... (I am not a big bread eater but I even liked their bread)!  

I usually eat at their cozy bar area / petite cafe instead of their formal dining room / grand cafe.  (Only thing is I don't like the tourist / pre-show kind of crowd...)

They are currently having fabulous promo at the petite.

Monday
Half off of their petite menu
if you say secret code "Cassoulet"

Tuesdays
special selection of French wines at half price (I really like their wine selections!)

Wednesdays
Steak frites paired with a draft beer - $18

It's almost too good too be true...