Have you visited these places in Northern CA?

Do you live near the Drummond Ranch, also known as the Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond

I like to follow her show, because I love the kids and watching them grow.

 
Their ranch is in Pawhuska, about 90 miles east of here.

I've met her cousin, an ophthalmologist here in Stillwater. It's a big family, there are lots of Drummonds.

I also watch her show and periodically read her blog. I like her chili recipe but haven't cared that much for the other recipes I've tried. Without regard to the quality of her recipes, I admire her accomplishments.

 
Agreed. I understand she used to do PR in LA before moving to The Ranch. She's a great

storyteller and I love her sense of humor. Recipes? Are just a vehicle for everything else I like about her. smileys/smile.gif

 
My friend is a former food reviewer and she's in SF this weekend. Said one of the best meals of her

life was this past week at State Bird Provisions. I'll be heading there on my next trip. smileys/smile.gif

Also, will you be anywhere near the Culinary Institute in Napa? Inside the bookstore on the left hand side is a long counter-type bar. They do several guided tastings-- chocolate, olive oil, and I forget what else. You wear headsets and go through the tasting. I've seen top chefs totally get into it. I've always wanted to try it, but the big weekend I'm typically there (Worlds of Flavor Conference) it's been closed. If you're out that way, it's worth a stop.

A highlight the last time I was there was finding MFK Fisher's house--it's just a couple blocks off the main street in St. Helena. It's a private residence now but we bought exquisite truffles, stood on the side walk and basked in the glow. smileys/smile.gifhttp://www.sjsu.edu/faculty/scott.rice/MFKFisher.htm

 
thanks for the great tips

I have been to the CI in Napa but missed that tasting bar. I will put it on my list. I wanted to go to State Bird Provisions last year but didn't. I'll definitely go this year. Did your friend mention what she ate? I googled the Worlds of Flavor Conference and it looks amazing.

 
looks like it will be tough to get a reservation

I will start looking daily, early in the am. I'm not sure I have the patience to wait in line.

 
Huh. Interesting. I'd go early. (I'd probably go at 5:15 for the 5:30 opening.) smileys/smile.gif

 
I should be able to get a reservation for Sunday or Monday 1/23 or 24

Assuming I get to my computer early enough to snag one as soon as they are posted. I already have plans at dinner time for the Friday and Saturday. I fly out on a red eye on Monday so an early reservation on Monday would be perfect. I might consider showing up and getting on the wait list if I don't get a reservation. I will need to do more checking re. parking and the neighborhood since they don't have valet parking and I will be by myself.

 
Sounds like it will be worth the effort. My friend does not dole out generous compliments like that.

smileys/smile.gif I did look at the website and it sounds like they only reserve a portion of the restaurant. The rest is for walk ins, which I like. I wonder what portion of the restaurant is allocated to reservations. ...My guess is, probably 20-30%

 
Yes, the mission district is safe during the day, with a few precautions:

don't carry your cell phone in your hand
during the day only
if you're really worried don't wear blue or red (gang colors, but honestly I've never had an issue)

It's unsavory in the mission to be sure, lots of poverty and grime, outside of some gross homeless people I don't mind going there on my own for shopping. I keep my chin up, smile at the leering men (hey, at least someone's looking!!) and enjoy it - sometimes it feels just like anywhere else but the US.

Don't miss out on La Palma on 24th, and the Victoria Pastry Co - my favorite pandaria plus they have killer coffee. Jaime the owner is using his kitchen there as an incubator for locals who need a commercial kitchen, he's all about local, sustainable and community. Love him. Also, my favorite market to shop is Casa Lucas, El Farolita's tacos el Pastor are the bomb, Dynamo Donuts (bacon! and the fleur de sel caramel). Now a bunch of hipster coffee places have opened up, right next to the markets that carry wrestling masks and pinatas. Now I want a taco!!

 
I LOVE State Bird! It's pretty close to my apartment. I like going there right after work,

getting in line, they take your cell number and I go to the Social Study on Geary at Fillmore and have some wine and chill out - or go see a movie at Japantown - then have dinner. Getting a reservation is a lot like scoring concert tickets. The thrill of the chase!

 
Thanks for the tips. I'm pretty sure no one will mistake me for a gang member!

 
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