Lorraine "Make It Happen" F.'s Profile

Came in very hand on a rainy Christmas day for take-out.  The Paneer Tikka Masala has a good sauce but could use more cheese.  I also like it better when the cheese is softer (fresher?).  Their okra makes up for it and the rice is tasty too.  Naan was a bit soggy, but still flavorful.  Nonetheless, glad these guys are back in biz adding more choice to the limited selection of (good) eateries in the Upper haight.

Have long been anticipating Bar Agricole's opening since I heard it was Thad Vogler's new venture.  Finally made it last Friday with plans to have a cocktail and bite to eat before hitting the Halloween party at the Stud.  Perhaps because it was raining and peeps were elsewhere at Halloween parties, we had the choice of a table or seat at the bar with virtually no wait.  We chose the bar.

Well, so much for the Stud... one Mai Tai lead to another... and another...  And, when I told my friends next day, they were, "eeugh... so sweet and sickly."  But, no my friends, not Agricole's version. They went down so smoothly and had an interesting, complex after taste... totally addictive!

Focusing on girl talk and not on food, we opted for the cheese plate and a burdock root (I believe) salad... Both were delicious.  Look forward to coming back some time and sitting down for a proper meal... maybe when it's sunny and we can enjoy the spacious front patio.

Oh, and should say, the design is refreshing and unexpected for this part of town... felt more like LA than SF on approach... and, inside, more like NY...  And, one more thing... isn't it nice to have a hostess who is chosen for her personality and efficiency rather than just her 20 something looks?  I think so.

On a very, very hot Monday when the temperature reached a record-breaking 113 degrees in Los Angeles, my friends and I retired to the Sky Bar where it was cool in vibe if not in temperature.

The gorgeous English waitress who was uber friendly and gracious advised us that half the staff had reported in sick (i.e. went to the beach) and apologized profusely for the slow service... which, by the way, wasn't slow at all.  

Our first round of cocktails went down way too fast, so we were looking for something tall and cool on the next round.  She suggested their muddled fruit mojitos... "Can you make them with ZESPRI kiwifruit, if I supply the fruit."  She checked with Rob the bartender, who must have been under a lot of pressure to keep the drinks coming for the thirsty customers.  He obliged and made us a magnificent cocktail and then when I followed up on FB, their peeps supplied the recipe:

Tall glass
1/4 muddled kiwi (peeled)
Muddle w/ lime wedge and mint.
Fill glass w/ ice
Add 1 and 1/2 oz Bacardi rum, 3/4 oz lime juice and 3/4 oz agave nectar.
...Shake.
Add Soda water w/ a splash of Ginger Ale.

Garnish w/ a slice of kiwi.

Glad you were able to cool off at Skybar. And hopefully you can recreate the magic at home, although, it might be hard to live up to Rob's amazing bartending skills.

That is what I call service.

And we will definitely be back...

Oh, and we had one start sighting... the gorgeous Idris Elba smiled at me from across the room!

When I ran out of gas, just one block from the gas station and found myself stuck in the middle of Geary, I popped the hood and ran to the station to see if I could get a container for one gallon of gas.  They didn't have one.  When I turned back, there were four men surrounding my car.

Johnny at Big O Tires had seen a damsel in distress and sent his men to help me. They pushed my car to safety, then brought me back to the shop to find a gas tank.

As if that wasn't enough, Justin accompanied to the gas station and back to my car to put in the gas. When, for some inexplicable reason, the container would not release the gas, he then jimmy-rigged a funnel out of a window cleanser bottle from my trunk by getting scissors from the Asian guy in the grocery store...

I couldn't even tip the guys, because I had no cash.

Instead, I am here to say that acts of kindness like this restore my faith in humanity. And when I have the money, I guarantee I will be buying my tires from the guys at Big O. They rock!

I was 11 years old when I first went out for a 'grown up' dinner and my dad explained that it was the start of my education on food and wine.  By age 13, i was addicted to lobster and my favorite dish was Lobster Thermidor.  So, when I heard about Thermidor opening I was so EXCITED!  I considered having my birthday dinner there but in deference to my friends' budgets chose a less expensive option.  But, when I was invited to dinner in order to pick my screenwriter's brain, Thermidor was my first choice.

It started out well... Elegant interior without being stuffy.  Friendly, good-looking staff.  Choice of delicious cocktails... and, yes, the Warsaw Mule is every bit as yummy as others report (though still not up to Thad Vogler's kefir lime concoction).  

Then things went slightly awry... nothing bad, just... yikes, people, this is not supposed to be "In-N-Out"!

The appetizers arrived in the blink of an eye... and, given their tiny portion, disappeared just as quickly.  I ordered the caviar trout mixture on potato chips... it was tasty... nothing to write home about (or YELP about).

My friend ordered the petite filet mignon (which earned its name) and I ordered, naturally, the lobster thermidor.  It certainly was not the sumptuous blast from my past... au contraire... an elegant, almost minceur, presentation... a slender half lobster accompanied by whipped cream potatoes in a ramekin and overcooked carrots.  

It tasted fine, but I do not think it was worth the price that my friend paid.  And, certainly, for a $32 entree, I expect a more lavish pace to the service.  I'm guessing the tab was about $150 and we were out of there in an hour...

At that rate, next time, I think I'll opt for the massage:\

With its extensive wine list and great selection of varietals, Blush might have to be my new go-to wine bar.  Even though the pours are generous, I managed to drink my way through a sparkling rose, a non sparkling rose then an Australian Mouvedre, while my friend enjoyed a Pinot Grigio and a White Rioja.  Perhaps we drank so much because the food was so good...

My favorite was the cheese and charcuterie platters.  I wish I could remember the cheeses we were served because they were divine and the dried sausage/salumi was also delicious... accompanied by a yummy country bread and I don't usually eat bread.

We sat at the bar so we could talk to the friendly staff but the peeps sitting around the different lounge areas looked really comfy.

For being in the Castro, there was a good mixed crowd.  Been here twice in one week... will definitely be back... as long as my liver can take it!

I've been going to Florio for years.  On occasion I've sat at a table, but really, i like to sit at the bar and watch the action.  I can't comment too much on the menu because I pretty much always order one of two things... either the steak frites when there are two of us or a burger.  The new open-faced burger with melted cheese and grilled onions on focaccia, served with french fries (on which I consider myself an afficionado) is awesome.  And when you order "medium," medium is what you get.

While attending the San Francisco International Film Festival, between seeing Father of My Children at the Clay and Wake Up In Fright at the Kabuki, I stopped to grab a bite.  Since I have a broken shoulder, which means I can't drive and don't have the patience to stand around waiting for buses (or taxis for that matter) I walk from Pac Heights to my abode in the Haight.  My friend Donna thinks I'm a target for muggers, so begged me not to carry a purse.  I couldn't not take a purse - there are certain things that I must have - but I could at least divest myself of heavy items, the biggest of which is my wallet.  So, I was traveling light, no wallet with choice of credit cards; only one card and no cash... kinda' crazy, I know.

I enjoyed my burger with a glass of Malbec... the timing was perfect to move on to see my next movie.  I was a happy camper... right up until my credit card bounced.  Oops.

I didn't know what to expect... stay and wash the dishes?  

The manager, John, was so kind.  He let me off with a promise to return, which I did next day.  I ask you, how many restaurants do you know that would let you walk out without paying the bill and only a promise to return?

These guys are just as fabulous as before - in and out within ten minutes.  Service with a smile -- even a sense of humor from Erwin.

Was so nervous my '92 street beater wasn't going to pass, but it did.  Phew!

When my friend said she wanted to grab a quick bite before catching a movie at the Bridge, I groaned 'cos I knew that there is nothing in that neighborhood that meets our nit-picky requirements of great atmosphere, good food and yummy wine or cocktails.  Well I was wrong!

We had a delicious bottle of Sauvignon Blanc with complimentary nuts and olives (good ones at that - not just icky peanuts and canned olives), accompanied by a platter of cheese and charcuterie... which was several very good cheeses, salami, prosciutto, apricots and cornichons - generous portions, too.  Our server was lovely.  

Great photographs on the walls... nice lighting/ambiance and music.  I have to say the only downfall was the rather uncomfortable stools.

Otherwise, loved every moment and going back again this week!

One of the best facials I've ever had.   I walked out with my skin glowing and a couple of wonderful all natural products that I've been using ever since and love.

Thanks Andrea!