Matt "D-O-Double" G.'s Profile

A few Yelpers have been and written a review of Phat Matty's food stand at the Farmer's Market in Grand Lake. But I'm the first Yelper to have actually dine at the restaurant on Telegraph Ave. My pictures are proven evidence too.

Actually, the grand-opening was on November 21st and I missed the free stuffs including a free slice of Matty's Peach Cobbler Pie. I might try that next time. But today, my daughter and I had the 2 Way Combo. For $15.00, we get any 2 meats with potato salad, baked beans and two slices of wheat bread.  We got the Memphis Style Pork Ribs and Pulled Chicken as our pair of meats for our meal. The meats were lean and tender. If you're not into those two sides I just mentioned, you can also get Mac & Cheese, Yams, Collard Greens or Cole Slaw for an additional $1.00 per side.

Our Meal: http://www.yelp.com/bi...

For now, this place is Cash only.

I've eaten at most BBQ places in the East Bay and had mixed results. But Phat Matty's is better than most. Also the name attracts, "you know who!"

I also enjoy the slogan:

"So good it'll make you want to slap yo momma!"

I needed to take my van to my mechanic for a tune-up. So I landed at this "hole in the wall" corner for a quick bite. (standing with pride and honor)...I'm proud to be the conqueror of "hole in the wall" businesses.

This corner restaurant serves your basic and popular Filipino cuisines. One of only a few food businesses in the area that serve Filipino cuisines for quick bites.

Not knowing what are the popular dish, I ordered the two-items combo. For $7.00, I received two of the available items on the hot-cooker with steamed rice. I don't know the name of the two items, but I got the Flank Steak in a thick vinegar sauce and a grilled chicken with a thick and sweet marinated sauce on a skewer. The meat on both dishes were a bit too tough to eat. Especially the flank steak, which seems to damaged my jaws after numerous bites.

As I was eating my meal, I saw many people were enjoying the Longanisa and eggs over rice. As soon as my van is ready and being a huge supporter for family-owned businesses, I might give this place another chance and try that dish instead. Definitely, skip the combo-lunches.

I unexpectedly ran into a yelper in the downtown area. We hugged and embraced.

Then by the manly-scent on me, she complimented me and said,

"Hey Matt, you smell good!

I said, "Thanks!"

She continued and said, "$75.00 bottle of Hugo Boss from Macy's is sure pricey. Is that what you got on?"

I replied, "No, Jordache Vintage #33 for $1.29 + tax at the Ninety Nine Cents Only Giant Value Store on Mission St. You like?"

She covered her nose, turned away and left me in disgust!

I shouted, "Hey, where are going? At least I took a shower and used Safeguard soap (also purchased at the same store).

I just found out that yelper has dumped me from her friend's list and I lost a fan.

"I'll use a better cologne and better body-soap if you, "PLEASE COME BACK TO ME!"

After one use and "stinky" encounter, I immediately threw that bottle away!

I "Blush" when I found out the local fro-yo chain has arrived to San Francisco.

I "Blush" when I found out the newest fro-yo shop in Mission Bay was serving the seasonal Pumpkin flavor.

For $5.50, I got that featured flavor in a medium bowl with the chewy Mochi Balls and chopped Marshmallows cakes as my pair of toppings. Blush's version is a bit more tart and flavorful than some of the other shops I've had. Blush's version is also good enough to make me "Blush".

I was enjoying my treat while watching a concert of Earth, Wind and Fire on one of the shop's high-defintion flat-screen TV and watching an NBA game on the other. My enjoyable moment forced me to "Blush".

I'll be "Blush(ing)" my way  back and try the other five flavors including the Strawberry-Kiwi, in which I eyeballed and sampled.  

(It'll be a "sight for sore eyes" when you see my cheeks "Blush")

This branch is always busy with LONG lines. But I'm in a rush and just needed TWO $0.44 stamps to mail and pay my bills. Will some of my peeps sell me the two needed stamps?

I saw a lady with a book of stamps. And in Cantonese, I asked:

"Can I buy two stamps from you?"

As she was walking out the door, she waved her hand as a "no" gesture for an answer.

I kindly asked, "Here is one dollar, how about now?"

(She still waved her hand)

"Okay...how about "two" dollars for two stamps?"

(still waving her hand as a "no" answer)

I flashed a $5.00 bill in her face for just "two" postage stamps as my final offer.

And in Cantonese, she finally yelled, "GET OUT OF MY WAY, CRAZY-BOY!"

Gosh, she must be "crazy" in not accepting my $5.00 offer for just "two" stamps!

There are a ton of good restaurants along the 24th Street in Noe Valley. And what is the best treat to complete the meal?

"YOU BETTER SAY, "FRO-YO"...OR ELSE!

This corner fro-yo shop is the only fro-yo place in Noe Valley. And the local company couldn't pick a perfect location.

Some of the Tuttimelons are converting into a self-serve facility. But this location is still having the workers pouring our fro-yo. There were no specials for this location with everything at regular price. There were only two flavors available at the time: Original Tart and Strawberry Tart. I just had the Original Tart in a small five-ounce cup with Oreo Cookie crumb as my lone topping for $3.50. Like all the Tuttimelon locations, the Orignal Tart is the best flavor with the nice and creamy texture and silky taste.

My fro-yo: http://www.yelp.com/bi...

The shop also sells Gelatos from Belagano, artisian chocolates from Leonidas and cupcakes from Sweetface Bakery. After devouring so many cupcakes and sweets from the yesterday's East Bay Cupcake event, the last thing I want is "CUPCAKE." When I looked at the cute cupcake counter, I just needed to turn away and hold off on devouring anymore cupcakes for a while.

Cupcake-counter: http://www.yelp.com/bi...

In December, this location will be serving the Almond Flavor fro-yo. A flavor I actually enjoyed, eventhough it does taste like Vidal Sassoon Shampoo.

I was so looking forward for this East Bay bakery-visiting event. But with the sudden elements from earlier in the morning, the day and event might turned ugly. On the other hand with the rain going away and the sun coming in, the day turned out to be a picture perfect day for another Yelp gathering.

The event is a 4-mile circle tour of the finest bakeries in the East Bay (all with Yelp-stickers). Ligaya and Mark (organizers for the event) handed out bandanas to all of us. Majority of the Yelpers walked to hopefully burned off some of the calories and make room for these tasty treats. Few Yelpers did drive and rode a bike (including myself) as another alternative way to get around for the event as well.

Our first stop and meeting place was at the Market Hall Bakery on College Ave (Rockridge Area). I didn't buy anything, but I did manage to get a small bite of another fellow-yelper's Red Velvet Cupcake, which was a sweet start for this event. My total: $0.

Next, we went up north on College Ave to La Farine Bakery. I bought a Gruyere Cheese Roll for later and a Butter Cream cupcake with a small cup of coffee to absorb the sweetness. The cupcake was small, but very moist and the frosting was creamy. My total: $6.00.

Then, we made a left  and went west on Alcatraz Ave. and ran into Sweet Adeline Bakeshop on Adeline Street. I actually like this corner bakery. I wish I knew about this place back then. I started off with two cookies: Snickerdoodle and Chocolate Chip cookie, and another cup of coffee. As I was enjoying my treats and chatting with other Yelpers and suddenly, one of the workers from the bakery yelled, "Cupcakes just came out!"

I hurried back in there and joined Ann L., who was standing in the long line, and decided to buy two of the freshest cupcakes right out of the kitchen. Ann and I had the Pumpkin Cupcake with Pomegranate and Chocolate Frosting topping and the Raspberry topping with Chocolate frosting one. Because of the freshness, it was by far the best cupcakes we've had on the tour. My total from Adeline Bakeshop: $12.50.

Our Cupcakes: http://www.yelp.com/bi...

Afterwards, we walked through the residential area and landed at Bakesale Betty. And since it was a Saturday, "of course there was a long line." I met up with other Yelpers while waiting in line and snucked Ann L and joined me instead of standing in the back of the line halfway down the block. I had the Fried Chicken Sandwich for $7.75 and the freshly-squeezed lemonade for $2.50. Ann bought an Egg-Salad sandwich to join me at the ironing-board for lunch. All Yelpers, who participated in the event including us, received a slice of Pumpkin Pie with a thick cream topping for a later treat. My total $11.00.

My slice of Pumpkin Pie: http://www.yelp.com/bi...

Then, some of the Yelpers ran into the truck of CupKates on Claremont Avenue. I didn't go, but some of the Yelpers, who went, gave me mixed reactions of the cupcakes from that visit

But I did rode my bike back to College Ave. and landed at Bittersweet Cafe, which was our final stop. I bought the Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate for $4.00 and a Wonder Bar for $3.00 as a later treat. The hot beverage had a subtle taste with the drink not being overly-sweet with a smooth Peanut Butter taste. I actually enjoyed that hot drink as well. Ligaya also handed out more cupcakes. My total: $7.00.

My Hot Chocolate:  http://www.yelp.com/bi...

My Wonder Bar: http://www.yelp.com/bi...

Indeed we had a long and tiring, but "sweet" day. And thanks to Ligaya and Mark on organizing another fun East Bay "Bakery-Hoppin'" event.

Oh yeah, my kids loved the Pumpkin Pie from Bakesale Betty. I guess you'll know where I'll get my Pumpkin Pie from this holiday-season.

With the name of the cafe, the industrial area of Third St./Dogpatch area most definitely reminds of my trip in Phoenix not long ago. Deserted and haunted is how I viewed my perspective.

But Cafe Phoenix is nothing like my recent trip. This cafe, which only opens weekdays from 11-2pm, is a nonprofit cafe and training program for helping the Bay Area welfare people. This program is very similiar the Delancey Street foundation and the program do whatever needed for the individual to get their life back in order. Students are learning a few tips here and there to learn how to boil water for the first time.

I did my best to support the program and came here for lunch and ordered the Roast Beef Sandwich. For  $5.48 (the price ending with "8" must be an Asian's prosperity thing), I get a Roast Beef Sandwich with Swiss Cheese, which is included, in a Sourdough Roll. And for an extra $1.50 I also get French Fries, cooked nice and golden brown, and a canned soda for $1.00 with my meal. My meal may sound like any ordinary lunch from elsewhere, but these people are not only very friendly, but they made all meals including mine with "love". "Now I wanna cry...*SNIFF*!"

My Visa was accepted for my lunch

Unfortunately it is only open for lunch on the weekdays and I would like to try many of the other foods including the Ribs on Thursdays. But the main objective is for the people to get their life together and live happy. Yelp has also shown many love for this program and cafe by awarding them with a Yelp-sticker on the front window.

BREAKING NEWS..."Matt G did not finish his meal!"

Big or small portion(s), I always finished my meal and never did believed in leftovers. To tell you the truth and after every meal, I'm just too full and too lazy to carry the leftovers around.

But my empty stomach has landed at one of the newest Barbecue businesses in the slowly revamped Western Addition. Only opened 3 months with not many reviews yet, this barbecue place serve authentic "cue" and is operated by a bunch of cool and friendly dudes.

The restaurant is opened from 8am-8pm, thus serving breakfast such as egg and omelettes, to lunch with burgers and hot and cold sandwiches, and to dinner with BBQ dishes such as ribs.

I had the BBQ Beef Brisket for my urgent and hungry dinner. For $9.99, I get eight "thick and fat" slabs of the tenderest beef drenched in the homemade BBQ Sauce. "Yes, eight (8) fat slices of meat, ladies and gentlemen!"

My meal also comes with two sides, in which I took the Spicy Potato Salad and Mac & Cheese and all homemade.

Yes, eight slices of meat is more than enough to satisfy any high-volume eater like myself.

Finally a decent Barbecue place in the Bay Area. And I'll definitely be back and try other foods.

My only concern is that they use stryofoam containers for take-outs. Well, I'm not an environmentalist and could care less.

NOW BACK TO THE NEWS....The Fort Hood Massacre, Richmond's rape case, the failure structure of the Bay Bridge...

My monster meal: http://www.yelp.com/bi...

This is the time of the year where pumpkin is the most popular flavor. And I love pumpkin in just about anything .i.e. fro-yo. I had the seasonal-flavored fro-yo from elsewhere and enjoyed it. Will I get a repeat from another fro-yo shop?

My visit landed me at Céfiore in the Financial district early and dark Sunday evening. This is one of two San Francisco locations (with the other shop inside the Westfield Mall located not far away). I actually enjoyed eating the fro-yo from the other location to take a quick break from (window)-shopping in the mall. But this location is surrounded by high-rise buildings.

There wasn't much people in the quiet and dark streets or in the shop. And looking at the dispensers behind the cashier were the aforementioned Pumpkin, Chocolate, Acai Berry and Pomegranate as the available flavors. But my main target was the seasonal Pumpkin flavor and I got that flavor in a small bowl with the (supposedly chewy) Mochi balls as my lone topping for $4.00.

I thought the shop's version was bland and least creamy with little flavor and the mochi ball was too stiff to chew. Not the best Pumpkin-flavor fro-yo I've had yet.

With the seasonal-flavor still ongoing, my journey to find the best tasting Pumpkin-flavor fro-yo still continues....ELSEWHERE!