In case you missed this last week from my recent trip to San Fran.

Mama se mama sa mama cu sa

Sometimes when I need to clear the head and re-charge, I just take off.  Leaving my home, my job and my city most of the time puts things back into perspective.  Late Friday night after a tremendous service, I speed over to House of Blues to meet old friends for one of our fave performers, Warren Haynes.  I was hoping this would re-charge me so I wouldnt have to pony up for hotel and flights.  Nope.

Soon after I arrived home in the wee hours of the AM,  I sent out a Twitter message asking which domestic city would most people choose if only for a weekend.  I received Chicago, San Francisco, Kansas City, Portland, Louisville, Memphis, Seattle, NYC and a few other randoms.  I did a quick search for flights, considering times available and price, and arrived at San Francisco.  Booked.  I was leaving in 6 hours.  Shit, need to get to bed.

Now I realize there are dozens of establishments that I would love to try, but I only have one day.  And its raining balls.  Ive heard a lot of good things about Flour + Water.  Mostly that they make all their own pasta dough, and it comes out pretty good.  Thats right up my alley.  Im a little different when it comes to choosing a restaurant.  I usually stray from the obvious.  Although Id like a good meal, I dont need the stuffiness.  Plus I can take away many other things from a restaurant than just the food.  Location, entrance door, lighting, smells, music, servers, tables, chairs, floors, kitchen view, flatware, I could go on…glassware, buzz, name, logo, I mean I could do this all day…ceiling fans, busy table, color coordination, menu material, cleanliness, soap in bathroom, Its a sickness really.

Flour + Water was Italian, artisan and well designed.  I waited for close to an hour for a seat at the bar that looked straight through to the kitchen.

Well worth the wait.  I had the pasta tasting with All Italian wine pairings.  Perfect.  Cant wait to go back.

Directly before, I made a point to trek through the rain to get a coffee at Four Barrel.  Another gorgeous establishment doing fine work.

Did I come back with a clear head?  Dont think so, but it sure was fun!  Trying to kill hours at the airport and on planes, I had the opportunity to finish Grant Achatz book, Life, On the Line.  It was a perfect birthday gift.  Pretty inspiring in itself.  Must read for any chef and/or restaurateur.  Real shit.

I also realized I am now the guy in the restaurant with a huge camera.  What is happening to me?  I can attest, it was work related.

Thanks for reading and stay tuned for Paulfeeds.com.

Going into this, I knew Mark was a workhorse.  I’ve had the luxury to get to know him through industry events and dinners such as last Sunday.  I had always heard he would work 14 hour days, never stopping to sit and enjoy a meal himself.  This work ethic instantly gets my respect, mostly because it reminds me of myself.  Its refreshing to see young cooks who embrace the demand of the game.

But what I hadn’t realized before last Sunday was that Mark has serious skills.  And has skills in an art that is near and dear to my heart, homemade pasta.  This isn’t easy and demands time and patience.  Patience was something else I noticed about Mark in the kitchen.  It is very easy for cooks to lose focus and get flustered as crunch time nears.  Mark never lost his cool. Chris Leung made an equally chill sous.  Great qualities all around.  Going to be a big player at restaurant conat.

Also want to thank Julio Hernandez for the gorgeous Italian wine pairings.  We have some great stuff in house right now through his recommendations.

Also want to thank the dynamic Barista couple Patrick and Candace for the refreshing iced coffee beverage.

Sunday’s Menu can be found on previous blog post.

Below are a few images from Sunday’s dinner courtesy of food lover and buddy, Randy Ho.

Wine pairings are posted below for those joining us on Sunday for Mark’s hand-made pastas.

Wine pairing option will be $50.

We will also have several Italian selections by the bottle a la carte.

Sunday Dinner

September 18, 2011

puffed pasta

marinara, buttermilk ricotta, capers & basil

NV BISOL “Jeio” Cuvée Rosé (Veneto)

pasta salad

buckwheat, pickled cabbage stems, mushroom, apple, cilantro & chile

2010 CANTINA DEL TABURNO Greco (Campania)

tortellini “en brodo”

sweet potato, ham, pickled collards & toasted walnut

2010 CANTINA DEL TABURNO Greco (Campania)

”medieval lasagna”

fermented wheat, anchovy, onion & thyme

2009 SCARPETTA Barbera del Monferrato (Piedmont)

lasagne verdi al forno (lasagna of Emilia-Romagna)

ragu alla bolognese, bechamel, parmesan & balsamic vinegar

CLETO CHIARLI Lambrusco Enrico Cialdini Secco (Emilia-Romagna)

spaghetti ai frutti di mare

spaghetti, gulf seafood, charred tomato, garlic & herbs

2008 SUAVIA Soave Classico “Monte Carbonare” (Veneto)

parisian style gnocchi

japanese squash, maple, apple cider vinegar & cardamom

2010 SARACCO Moscato D’Asti (Piedmont)