Nombe: Japanese Tapas (Izakaya) Hits the Mission

Who: Nombe Restaurant / www.nombesf.com

Where: 2491 Mission St. / 415.681.7150

What: Dinner at this izakaya (a Japanese word originally describing a drinking establishment that also served small plates of food; think of it here as Japanese tapas)

Why:

  • Variety for your tastebuds: Share small plates of Japanese and Japanese-inspired dishes, especially if you’re planning a romp in the Mission. There are several food and sake choices on the menu.
  • Late-night dining: They’re open later than most restaurants (11pm Sunday – Thursday), and the dark decor (and clean bathroom!) should get you properly prepared for further evening festivities.
Posted in Japan, Meals from $5-15 per main course, Mission | 1 Comment

Braised Vegan Meatball Recipe

Busy Veggie, a friend of mine, is finally sharing her wonderful recipes with the rest of you!

Here’s a video recipe for making some quick Braised Vegan Meatballs, which I have made in advance and it’s kept me nourished during a busy week at work. This could even work as a quick recipe for a vegan or vegetarian date!

The ingredients you’ll need:

  • 2 16-oz packages of frozen chopped spinach
  • 1-2 t. olive oil
  • 1-2 t. soy sauce
  • 1 bag of frozen vegetarian meatballs
  • 2 c. (about 1/2 bottle) of red wine
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Studio Gourmet Interviews Hoss Zare of Zare at Fly Trap!

Who: Studio Gourmet, a talk show, interview, and cooking demonstration rolled into one.

What: They’ll be interviewing Chef Hoss Zare (of Flytrap – yum!), and the event will also include a cooking demo, live jazz, and a food and wine pairing.

When: Sunday, January 16, 2011, from 2:30 pm – 5:30 pm

Where: Horatius, 350 Kansas Street, (between 16th and 17th Streets) (San Francisco)

Why: Get up close and personal with local chefs and taste the food that made (and makes!) them famous.

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Food Bargains on Your Birthday

In exchange for your email address, restaurant chains will offer some enticing cheap eats bargains for you (usually on your birthday), while also sending you a lot of promotions throughout the year.

If you’re:

  • Not worried about giving up your email for some food (I personally have enjoyed the Benihana meal and the Cold Stone Creamery free scoop),
  • Live in an area where many of these chains are close by (so you can dine and dash from one deal to another)
  • Don’t mind sometimes going by yourself (to get a TRUE bargain…often these places will count on your bringing along a paying companion)
Posted in Budget | 1 Comment