Sporking is fun

Konbanwa, hisashiburi ne blog fans. Thanks for continuing to bug me and reminding me that I need to get back to restaurant coverage! Tonight after just getting off a plane from Tokyo, I got a call from a friend who was marooned in the city thanks to the bay bridge delays. He was looking for a dinner date. Having wanted to check out all the hullabaloo about Spork in the Mission but having never been able to plan enough in advance to get a table, I thought this was the perfect opportunity. Early table on a wed, sure enough they were able to accomodate us. Off we went to the once KFC now funkily lit Valencia eatery. A very agreeable blonde lady was our host and gave some of the background of the restaurant. The chef Bruce got together with his wife's cousin to start the place. In the ashes of an old KFC they attempt to deliver locally sourced, organic dishes that rotate weekly, washed down with some trendy Belgian beers and finely picked wines.

We kicked off with the buratta and tomato salad, the goat cheese croquette and a house salad. Great flavour and presentation but nothing is still going to get me into beets and goat cheese. Picking from a short list of main courses and avoiding the house favourite burger, we opted for the stuffed squash (very rich and buttery but tasty), the halibut (standard presentation a la Range) and an unusual Beef Stroganoff (again very rich and could have used more pasta as opposed to the gnocchi to break up the flavours but very satisfying none the less)

Armed with our signature Sporks we finished with an Apple Crisp a la mode. A solid end to a well lit, well presented meal. I would recommend for a weekday favour escape, good for tables of 2-4. Spork away!

Dosa on a Monday

During my Japanese class last night, my delightful teacher happened to mention that she had had an amazing curry the night before which immediately got my taste buds tingling for a quality Indian. One restaurant that has been recommended again and again was Dosa in the Mission. Not faulting them for still having a Valentine's promotion on their website we headed to Valencia and they were able to accommodate a last minute table for 2. The restaurant was packed, ON A MONDAY, this city never ceases to amaze and there is supposedly this recession thing going on, clearly not for lovers of South Indian cuisine! For those of you unfamiliar with the Dosa based menu it does take some getting used to, no Tikka Masala and the like and mainly vegetarian. We ordered the enormous spicy lentil Dosa and some of the Chennai chicken, all very tasty washed down with a couple of Kingfishers. If you are looking for a fun, funky, friendly Indian fare, Dosa is waiting for you.

Levende Lounge

For the second Sunday in a row, it has been group brunch at Levende on Mission. Amazing open space with original brick walls, DJ's spinning in the background and today a Brazilian esque chanteuse contributing her melody over the beats. Great for groups, very accommodating staff and the Heuvos Rancheros rocked, oh and there is the Bloody Mary bar but due to afternoon yoga ambissions it was off limits. Check it out, well worth a trip - Friday and Saturdays also serve up a club vibe after 10pm, can't vouch for it but sounds fun.