Burma Super Star, 309 Clement, Inner Richmond EOPB

"Burma Super Star" is a small Burmese restaurant located on a bustling portion of Clement Street in the "Inner Richmond".  It's very popular and has been reviewed in "Sunset Magazine" and by the "Urban Spoons" of the foodie world.
When you arrive, don't be surprised to find a line of fellow diners sipping tea and patiently waiting for a table.  Just sign yourself in at the small podium by the door, pour yourself a cup and relax.
Once inside, the close quarters are reminiscent of a small neighborhood haunt, with lively conversations and friendly service, where you can experience the culture, the taste and the hospitality of Burma.



Burmese food was a new experience for our staff photographer and me, and we really weren't sure, exactly, what to expect.

As we perused the menu, Rosalie indulged in a light, fragrant Jasmine tea and I had a cold pale ale from India.


We began our first Burmese feast by sharing the "Super Star's" famous "Tea Leaf Salad", Burmese tea leaves, romaine lettuce, fried yellow beans, fried garlic, sesame seeds, fresh tomatoes, jalapenos, and "dried" shrimp.
This delicate dish is tossed at your table and was an interesting combination of flavors.  "Tea Leaf Salad" is their signature dish, but Rosalie and I were disappointed.  Perhaps our palates have not developed an appreciation for dried shrimp!  We do admit that we definitely appear to be in the minority on that subject.

For our main courses, Rosalie decided on the "Pumpkin Pork Stew",  a tender pork stew, slow cooked with Kabocha squash and ginger.  She found it light and deeeeee.........lish!!!!!










I love the "heat", but Rosalie enjoys the delicate flavors, so we were both pleased that the dishes were clearly identified on the menu by "temperature".
I chose the "Fiery Chicken with Tofu", a stir-fried chicken breast with tofu, string beans, red bell peppers and basil in their five-spice sweet-heat sauce. Fabdelish!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So now we know that Burmese cuisine consists of a combination of spices and cooking styles from Burma's surrounding neighbors in Southeast Asia that come together in really simple, subtle (or fiery) tantalizing dishes.

Next time we're there, we will definitely start with the "Platha", a homemade Indian-influenced pan fried layered bread, served with a coconut chicken curry dip..........and then............the "Vegetarian Samusa Soup".  Even though it's vegetarian, it remains their most popular soup dish, made with samusas, broken-up felafel, lentils, cabbage, onions and secret spices.

Well, there you go!  Another "fabdelish find" for you, our loyal and faithful followers.  We know there's more to investigate in that little neighborhood on Clement and these X-PI's are on the case.  We got a tip that there's one fabdelish "Vietnamese Sandwich" over there and we've been trained on surveillance techniques that are sure to track that suspect (the "pork belly bun mi") down!

Check your post office for our staff photographer's picture of the latest "most wanted" suspect for these food bloggers or just follow "More is Less Mula" on twitter and facebook!

Giordano's, 730 North Rush Street, Gold Coast (Chicago) EOPB

First of all.......let me explain why you are about to leave our beautiful City by the Bay and experience a "taste of Chicago".
While our staff photographer rehabilitates her meniscus, I have been doing a little traveling.  It was off to Chicago, a trip down memory lane, as I lived there for many years, many years ago.  Perhaps "More is Less Mula" will inspire you to visit the windy city and discover the home of numerous fabdelish  and unique dining experiences!
I hope you enjoy the next 4 Chicago posts!!!!!!

There is nothing more "Chicago" than Deep Dish Pizza and no place more famous for it than "Giordano's", home of the original stuffed pizza.  If you haven't had pizza in this city, you can't know what I'm talking about.  "Pizza", as you know it does not exist here.  It's not thick crust. It certainly isn't thin and crisp.  It is "stuffed" and there is nothing quite as delicious and filling as "G's" classic (pepperoni, mushrooms, green peppers and onions) and a small pie easily serves four people.
This pizza is powerful and bursting with flavor and tons of cheese.  There is no weak, pansy pizza in this town!  Fabdelish...OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

In the absence of out staff photographer, I was forced to borrow this shot from the "Giordano" web site.
Yes, yes, yes, same old story.  A half eaten pizza does not photograph well. Blah Blah Blah......

You cannot imagine how good this is with an ice cold beer or cocktail of your choice, served along with a fresh crisp "Giordano House Salad" (spring greens, romaine, arugula, baby heirloom tomatoes, radicchio & fresh fennel, tossed in a light lemon vinaigrette with shaved Asiago)!





Now for a little history:
Many years ago, in a small Italian town near "Torino", Mama Giordano created her famous Easter Pizza Pie.
The family eventually immigrated to Chicago and ultimately, in 1974, two of the "Giordano" brothers opened a restaurant featuring Mama's famous recipe. The rest is history!

These pizzas are stuffed with pride and eaten with pleasure.  Giordanos' is definitely a true  *"More is Less Mula Star" contender.

MAMA MIA!!!!!!!

*More is Less Mula's" version of our good friend "Michelin Star" award.

Pelago Restorante, 201 Delaware Plc. Near North Side (Chicago) BDYW

"Pelago" is an elegant Italian restaurant just off Michigan Ave., near the John Hancock Building. "Mauro Mafrici", a Michelin star chef, who earned his notoriety in NYC at "Lo Scalco", has joined forces with his interior designer/architect wife to create "Pelago".
The decor is contemporary, sophisticated and very upscale.  Unfortunately, the atmosphere is as "up tight" as the decor is "upscale".
Chicago has more high-end Italian restaurants than most major cities, so although the food here is fabdelish and the decor is cool, the atmosphere did not live up to that "friendly Midwest feel" that Chicago is known for.

Don't get me wrong.  That homemade pasta is "texture-perfect" and the flavors of the sauces are divine. The menu is extensive and travels way beyond pasta and fish, with unique dishes like "Braciola di Maiale Arrosta agli Aroma di Campo" (roasted organic pork chops with herbs & vegetables) or "Saltimbocca di Pollo" (chicken breast with Prosciutto and sage in a light white wine sauce), just to name a few.

My dining partner and I began our culinary experience at the small bar at the front of the restaurant with a lovely glass of Prosecco.  The street scene out of the window is very typical Chicago and I love the view of this lovely neighborhood.  Tucked into the "Hotel Rafaello", "Pelago's" location is "perfection"!






According to "Pelago's" website, "The basis of chef Mafrici's cuisine is 'sapori veri': true, honest genuine flavors."  No question, there!  The antipasti, served as a house appetizer, was sweet and delicate with beautiful flavors and the feast that followed did not disappoint.







The combinations of the black olives with that fabdelish salami, buttery, delicate bread sticks and European butter was a delightful way to start our exploration of chef Mafrici's "sapori veri'" cuisine.

I ordered a lovely fresh "Insalata Organica con Verdure di Stagione"(organic mixed greens with seasonal vegetables) and the "Filetto di Snapper con Riduzione di Aceto Balsamico" (seared Snapper Fillet with balsamic reduction), which was really delish!!!!! The fish was done to perfection and the flavors were light and mellow, but stood on their own.  The dish was beautifully presented and a small puff of delicate whipped potato layered under the snapper was the perfect accompaniment to the balsamic reduction.
Absolutely fabdelish!!!!!!!!!

My dining partner began with "Minestrone di Verdure con Borlotti" (seasonal vegetable soup with cranberry beans) and the "Cavatelli ai Broccoli rabe e Mandorie Tostate" (flour dumpling with broccoli rabe with toasted almond.
Although it appears to be a small serving, this rich and flavorful dish was the perfect amount of  "Divine pasta Decadence"!  (rich, delish & just enough!)



Well, needless to say we were too full for dessert, though the menu was very tempting. The "Tirami'su con Gelato alla Vaniglia" and the "Panna Cotta in salsa Lamponi" (raspberry sauce) sounded amazing!

I certainly understand why chef Mafrici was awarded that Michelin star, because the food was to-die-for fadelish!!  Michelin stars are impressive, but they don't make for a " fab dining experience".
I must admit, the food thing, they have down!!!!!!!!  Now, just embrace us, your fabulous & hungry diners and we'll all be happy!

"Benvenuti nel mio ristorante" should be a feeling, not just a greeting.

Barba Yianni, 4761 Lincoln Ave, Lincoln Square (Chicago) EPOB

"Barba Yianni" is an authentic Greek Taverna, located at "Lawrence & Western" in the windy city of "Chicago".
This fab spot is nestled in "Lincoln Square" amongst boutique shops and little restaurants and bars.
This is one of my favorite parts of Chicago and the food and the friendly atmosphere brought back many memories of one of my most favorite haunts.

What could be better than enjoying "Gyros", "Saganaki" and a glass of "Roditis"?  Absolutely nothing!!!  So................ my dining partner and I both ordered my favorite "Gyros Plate", heaped with excellently prepared gyros, diced tomatoes, onion and tzatziki (yogurt & cucumber).

We started this culinary experience with a nice chilled glass of "Roditis" and flaming "Saganaki" that sizzled on the platter.  The flaming cheese was a spectacular sight and the aromas were absolutely fab!  We added a small squeeze of lemon and then savored every last bite.
Fabdelish!!!!!!.  OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Not only is the food "to-die-for", but the menu offers all of the Traditional Greek specialties of Soups, Zimarika (traditional Greek pasta), Sautees (Greek sautes), Thalasina (seafood) and of course, Souvlakia (kabobs).  If you happen to be vegetarian, fear not!  The Greeks do not exclude any pallet and your choices are equally expansive.


Chicago has always combined food with music and "Bara Yianni" is no exception.  Music and dancing take place every evening and no one stays in their seat! You would swear you were starring in "Zorba the Greek".  You cannot imagine the fun!!!!!!.

Clearly, it's not just the food that makes this place great.  It really is the atmosphere and the "Greek Xenia". There is something very "real" and honest about the people and the food.  They are truly glad you're there and love sharing their Mediterranean flavors and culture, making you feel very "at home"
.

OPA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

"I felt once more how simple and frugal a thing is happiness: a glass of wine, a roast chestnut, a wretched little brazier, the sound of the sea.  Nothing else."
-Nikos Kazantzakis, Zorba the Greek

Definition of "Xenia":

The tradition of Greek hospitality.

Travelle, 330 N. Wabash Ave. Near North Side (Chicago) BDYW

You have arrived!  This is an amazing spot, located on the second floor of the new and fabulous "Langham Hotel".  Get ready for a 5 star experience before you enter this gorgeous hotel, with views of the river at Wabash and State.

The hotel and the restaurant have a decor of "Mid-Century Modern & Classic". The architecture and design are breathtaking, matched only by the true Mediterranean cooking  in command of the amazing chef "Tim Graham".

And once again, the ambiance is elegant and really luxurious, but the atmosphere and the people are friendly and welcoming.

There are so many things that are fab and unique about "Travelle". When they say, Mediterranean influences, they are referring to the wonderful flavors found in Southern France, Italy, Greece, Turkey, and all the spice markets of all the countries that border the sea.
As you can imagine, the menu varies with the seasons and the local products that are available. The menu also changes often to allow the chef to create dishes from this vast array of cultures and flavors.

Here are just a few of the delectable dishes we savored at "Travelle".

Of course we started with a celebratory champagne, just because we were there!  It was the only thing to do.

I ordered the Cumin Beets with Goat Cheese and tangerine.  It was, by far, one of the best things I've ever eaten and the presentation was gorgeous!

Absolutely delish!!!!!!!!

My dining partner ordered the the leek & potato soup with pistachio.

Another fabdelish selection!

We shared this special open-faced Watermelon Radish and cucumber sandwich on grilled crusty Italian bread.  The mix of flavors was indescribable.  Chef Graham is a genius!




Flat breads of sausage & olive and onion & leeks were the grand finale of our absolutely fabdelish meal!









"Travelle" also features it's glass encased kitchen.  It creates a stage for the fab kitchen and a theater for the restaurant as you watch the flames and the shimmering reflections as the chefs prepare your dishes.  This is chef Graham's stage and he is the star!

délicieux! νόστιμα!  delizioso!  lezzetl!

Schmidts 2400 Folsom, Mission "EOPB"

What a fab find! 

Schmidts, on Folsom and 20th, is a food lover's dream.  "Mission" or "Munich"????  I swear......., this "More is less Mula" top pick will have you wondering!  This sister restaurant to Walzwerk, on Van Ness, offers authentic East German cuisine and I suggest you bring a hearty appetite.
Schmidts lends itself to that local neighborhood feel with its own deli-grocery for stocking up on those specialty Bavarian items you can't find at Whole Foods.
If you're a sausage lover, you're in luck!  They now offer 4 fab in-house-made sausages.  There's the smoked Hungarian pork-beef sausage which  is slightly salty and spiced with paprika!  There's the Bavarian pork-veal sausage, made with cream, egg and ginger.  Then, there's the smoked chicken sausage, prepared with roasted garlic and thyme.  Wait for it!!!!  The duck & fig sausage is duck and  pork, combined with local figs!!!!!!!!

Schmidt's style is not your typical "urban professional", but that's who you will find on a Sunday morning, enjoying a fabdelish brunch.  The decor has an almost spartan appearance.  It's hard to explain, so I suggest you go and see for yourself.  There are no pictures on the walls, but a huge walnut communal table and a long copper-topped bar are all you need to be reminded of a German beer hall in the heart of Munich. This simple, unpretentious eatery is absolutely a cool and popular spot.

I started with a lovely mimosa, but next time, I'm definitely having a "rotes bier" (bloody beer).  As you can imagine, Schmidts offers a massive array of Bavarian beer and I understand (will find out next time) that the generous food portions are matched by the size of the beer tankards.
Although I was tempted by the "kalbschnitzel sandwich" (veal schnitzel on toast with chive sour cream, a fried egg, served with red onion and mixed greens), I went with the  house-made grilled sausages, which was served with 2 different mustard's, (one sweet, one hot), and absolutely delish house-made braised sauerkraut & potato salad.

My dining partner ordered the 'kleines fruhstuck", which consisted of sliced ham, salami & cheese, quark, hard-boiled egg, and shredded carrot & raisin salad.  This German delight was served with a gorgeous array of German breads, butter, mustard, blackberry & lingonberry jams.

The service is warm and friendly and dining at Schmidt's really is a fabdelish food and cultural experience.
As I said, bring your appetite.  Don't eat a lil' somethin' somethin' before you dine at Schmidts.  But I must tell you, that somehow, there's a "fresh" touch to this fare.
Schnitzel, Sausage, Spatzel - OMG!!!!!!!!
Guten Appetit!

BTW: "Quark" is the German equivalent to a "fromage blanc" or "Riccota".

Presidio Social Club, 563 Ruger Street, the Marina "EOPB"

First of all, let me begin by letting you know that Rosalie, Staff Photographer of "More is Less Mula", has torn her meniscus. Yes, I will be doing the next several posts without the kinship and expertise of our staff photographer, often referred to as the "Joel Meyerowitz" of the food blogging world.

Bear with us as Rosalie "snaps" back to her picture perfect health!



Talk about nostalgia................. entering the Lombard gate at the Presidio to have brunch at the "Presidio Social Club" is an historic experience in itself. One minute you are in the middle of the Marina and the rush of Lombard Street, then suddenly you find yourself in a lush country-like setting with groves of trees. Needless to say, this historical location is VERY San Francisco.


The "Social Club" that once served as a men's barracks, is a low, long, white wooden building that sits on a small hill just inside the gate. Diners are welcomed by a long porch where people gather to enjoy the view, while sipping on a cocktail or a "hibiscus sangria cooler" and waiting to be seated.

Just as you enter this contemporary eatery, you see the bright red drum kit that sets the tone for the underlying vibe of "PSC". 



The décor is cool and crisp, as you might imagine. The bar is long and made of white marble, sporting a fabulous array of bourbons, scotches, etc., reminiscent of what you would imagine at an officer's club back in 1954! Materials of wood, marble and stainless steel surrounded by lots of windows makes this the perfect brunch spot on a beautiful sunny day in our city by the bay.

What a gorgeous view!
The Club also has a lovely outside deck, perfect for dining "al fresco."

Of course, I started with a barely opaque mimosa and my dining partner had a delish coffee mocha, made especially, at her request. The food is served on "mess hall" plates and the tables are set with starched white napkins, sparkling glasses and the food doesn't disappoint! 
We both LOVED the "chicken arugula salad" with candied pecans & avocado vinaigrette and agreed it was "to die for"! The salads were huge, so we had no room for dessert. (I had not yet read that our fellow food critic, Michael Bauer, had proclaimed "PSC" as "serving the finest cakes in the city - a lemon chiffon meringue cake with layers of moist cake, mascarpone and a browned puff of whipped egg white on top".) OMG!!!!!!

On my next visit to "The Club", I plan to order the "jhuevos rotos" , which translates to crispy fingerling potatoes, lamb merguez, and fried eggs. I refuse to be tempted by the "brioche beignets" with brown sugar hot chocolate or the "challah French toast" with pecan butter and maple syrup. In fact, I think I'll make reservations for dinner next time and face a whole new "menu-decision-making-challenge". For purposes of brevity, I won't tease you with those fabdelish dining options in this post.

The service was great and our fab waiter was kind enough to walk slowly, so I could snap a picture of an "eggs Benedict" on brioche. Unfortunately my neighboring diner was watching her calories and decided to forgo the classic hollandaise that would typically "top" those lovely poached eggs.

Well, there you have it!

Parking is a dream because of the location and there are no MP's outside the gate anymore. So..............."at ease", relax, enjoy great food & drink, while you soak up the history of this beautiful, verdant military post on the bay!

My new wine stopper!