San Francisco Trip Part 1: Dottie's True Blue Cafe

Last week I went up north to SF to help my friend Kathy move some stuff back down to LA. I went up there with an open mind (and open stomach) to see what Frisco has to offer a hungry guy like me. Here's what I found:

Dottie's True Blue Cafe

Apparently a breakfast institution in the Tenderloin, there's always at least 10+ people standing in line everytime I go, but I have to say, it's definitely worth the wait. This time we sat at the bar watching the chef (and owner?) do his thang. He looks very much like the crazy chef from Hell's Kitchen, but thinner and without the fire coming out from his mouth and nostrils.

Pumpkin cherry french toast w/ pecans

Smoked whiskey fennel sausage, spinach, and mushroom scramble

w/ grilled cornbread and home fries

Dottie's True Blue Cafe

522 Jones Street

San Francisco, CA 94102

Summer 07 Kick-Off BBQ

Every year during the summer, I put my house to its full and intended use by having several all-day BBQs from May-September, or until the weather starts cooling off. This year we started a solid month earlier than last, and although the weather wasn't as warm as I'd like, the food definitely made up for that.


In the past I stuck with real basic items like steaks, burgers, sausages, etc. But as each BBQ past, I was always searching for another way/recipe to make the next one better. Sort of like the chick in Stranger Than Fiction, except I'm nowhere near bakery level. We're just keeping it a little better than you're used to.

Here's what was on the menu for this past BBQ:

Santa Maria tri-tip kebabs

These are a slight variation from the 2-3 lb. roasts I was making last year. I definitely think they're more BBQ-friendly this way.

BBQ Chicken using Lawry's Baja Chipotle marinade

You can't go wrong with this marinade. It saves you a ton of time before a big party. It's all about how you grill them anyway. That's where the real skill is. What.

Habanero Steak

Dan came thru in a big way, bringing his famed habanero steak, along with his serrano steak for those with milder palates. I found myself eating this more than everything else. It's got a solid kick to it. So for those Orochon special #2 lovers, this is where you need to be. And I gotta thank Dan for making the food look so good with his camera. This is scratch-n-sniff material.

Unfortunately you're only going to find these eats at my house, so get on my good side quick. And for those who missed out, better make it to the next one. Summer only lasts so long.

Cheers,
Opie