TV got funnier after all of the wine!

I came a-stumbling home Tuesday night and plunked myself down in front of the ole tube to wind down from a fantastic dining experience at Earls. (I'll tell you about it in a sec...first what I watched).  It was awkwardly charming, and the writing was fun. I didn't think I would enjoy it when I had come across it previously, but this weeks episode of "Raising Hope" entitled "Tarot-Reading" was witty and goofy. Enjoyable dialogue, and perfectly random. Great Tuesday TV. Heh, I was so buzzed when I started writing this, I thought it was Friday.... mmmmm Friday.

It was a refreshing change from the rather predictable writing of Hollywood, ahem,.... Alcatraz....
No. Raising Hope delivers curiously nutty lines such as: "Making a living selling ground up pig parts".... and "Oh you're going to Love Africa.... I've only seen it in cartoons, but it looks hilarious...."

Include an uncensored Cloris Leachman in this ensemble of quirky folk, delivering passionate acting, and you have a shit load (what the hell would that BE anyways???) of fun. Perhaps it was because I came at it with NO expectations that I was not disappointed. Perhaps it was the wine. (I'll tell you about the wine in just one sec.... "BUT JENN WE WANT TO HEAR ABOUT THE WINE!!!") I really enjoyed watching this, and just might tune in next Tuesday on City TV if I happen to be home. SO, **Thumbs up**. Thanks for entertaining me.

Now, on to Earls Restaurant, where I was a ViPPPPPPPer treated to some unbelievable hospitality.  We had the Sous Chef (Nick Hrynkiw) at our bidding, and we were introduced to our 3 course meal in detail by himself and the Day Leader (David Vo) before dining. Each course was paired with a delectable, and perfectly chosen bottle of wine, starting with a glass of Yellowglen Pink sparkling wine.

We were even offered the opportunity to participate and roll out and cut our own Gnocchi (the dough of which was made from scratch earlier that day), plus a tour of the prep kitchen.  Each of our hosts demonstrated such pride in their work, and every single bite of food was simply to die for.

"knee-yoke-eeeeee"

So, the Wine:
Charles Smith Wines, "Vino" Pinot Grigio (no other restaurant carries this subtle crisp white wine, but it is available in BCL stores)
-served with a Maple Glazed Salmon Salad



Joel Gott Zinfadel (quite a warming red, with heavy spicy notes)
-served with our Gnocchi with Italian Rose Sauce

Small bites leave big impressions!

and lastly Errazuriz Carmenere "Estate" (From Chile, and my favorite out of the bunch with a slightly lighter spicy flavor, and the presence of a dark cherry notes)

-served with the Porcini Crusted Filet with Truffle Chive Butter...... DROOOOOOOL

They are looking to show off what they can do, and there is something for everyone.

They do a good specialized menu. See what we ate in detail

These were our hosts:
@ 604-682-6700
 David Vo - Day Leader
Nick Hrynkiw - Sous Chef
Stefan Oostveen - Lounge Leader
Margaux Tomac - Marketing Leader

SF deuce

So on our first night I mentioned that we did a little pub crawling. It was later calculated that we patroned at a minimum of 6 drinking holes and had an impressive 8 pints (in roughly as many hours).

The most memorable of these was first Lori's Diner. Where the food is affordable and de-lish, and the plastic cows are flush on their affordable HUGE selection of beers, local breweries and imports! It's set in an old fashioned diner theme, with working table juke's! I love authenticity!!

Second in our hearts was a bigger tropical looking place (Chevy's Fresh Mex) that really didn't cater to our beer cravings, but it held our San Fran jewel - Ruth!

RUTH!!! @ Chevy's

Major shout out honey, YOU KNOW GOOD BEER!!
She offered us what she had, and we were satisfied with it for sure (Negra Modelo & Bohemia Clasicia). But we left with a napkin full of the best beers to try, and the best places to find them.
I'm actually more than surprised that we could decipher the chicken scratch on that napkin the next day! Thank god we did, as it led us (unknowingly at the time) to our final beer splurge at Toronado's on Friday night!

Ruth was the best server I've had at any customer driven establishment I've been to in what can only be described as an embarrassingly long time. (what the hell happened to customer service in our generation???!! For shame all of your freaking entitlement.) she was delightfully engaging, and made some really great beer suggestions.

It was Devils night in SF our last night in town. We met with my f00f friends at a little sushi hole. (add in even more beer) we tried in vain to visit a seemingly 'open' Citizen Cake (apparently the BEST cake anywhere, apparently.... ) but were denied even a wee to-go piece for the out-of-Towners....i guess we may never know if the stories are true. BOOOOOO CC.

You should be embarrassed CC! You still had several tables seated, where is the difficulty of 'serving' two more pieces of cake and THEN kicking us to the curb, with a GOOD experience on our belt instead of me shaking my head at your pompous attitude! To go's should never be denied, it's a quick bit of extra money for the till, low maintenance service required and likely a tip for serving when you're supposed to be closed....that's good business.

Buena Vista Beeeeeeeauty!

Oh well eh?! This led to us cabbing to a random late night cafe for a sugar rich piece of cake. (I declined hoping for more beer). The f00fers had to depart, but not before they led us right to Toronado's where we got to try the rather supercalifragilisticexpialidocious Russian River 'Pliny the Elder' and 'Blind Pig' IPA's.... YUMMMMMM. (www.russianriverbrewery.com). So Miss Ruth, THANK YOU! and
Russian River Brewery, THANK YOU.... (though your awesomeness has limits! tbc....)

Made it to the second line of
Peanut butter and Chocolate.

In Summary, we also: Went to and toured Alcatraz (do this), went to Punchlines for - Fags n'Hags (do this too - despite the no-love comment to the Bi community!). Tried to visit some old barracks that were turned into a porn studio (failed to do, but tried really hard!). Went to Ghiardelli Square and shared half an orgasmic Peanut Butter Chocolate sundae (do, but wrangle up at least 4 people for the ice cream orgy!). Went to the Buena Vista cafe for a yummy Irish Coffee (do, and watch the bartender's when they get a full order!). Walked to the curvy road. (do, if you happen to be walking by, otherwise...meh). Took a ride on the cable car. (do, if you have the time, but buy a regular bus pass, apparently it's cheaper and a transfer applies).

Anyways, I love you San Francisco. I found my heart there, but y'know what, I took it with me.

Literally one of the best days of my life!!!