Gas Station Dinner for $100?

As crazy as it sounds it’s true and was worth every penny.  This took place over the summer during our Yosemite trip, but the irony of this experience still comes to mind so I thought it might be worth blogging about.  We had been shooting in the Tioga area for a few hours and were ready for some food.  We were told ahead of time that we’d be eating at the Tioga Gas Mart and that we’d surprised how good the food was.

Within the Tioga Gas Mart is the Whoa Nellie Deli.  The owner and chef is Toomey.  It seems funny to use the word ‘chef’ in reference to a gas station restaurant, but trust me, whatever you’re comfortable calling him you’d be amazed at his creations.  Take a look at the menu:

Not your typical gas station food selection

I had the Wild Buffalo Meatloaf.....best meatloaf I've ever had.

The four of us ordered and filled up our paper cups from the self-serve soda fountain and had a seat.  Something about ordering the Herb Crusted Pork Tenderloin for $20 and then going to the self-server soda fountain seems funny.

When the food arrived, in very healthy sized portions, the truth was about to be discovered.  No matter how many times someone said, “You’ll be surprised” you’d never really believe it until you took your first bite.

Wild Buffalo Meatloaf prepared with port wine au jus, spaghetti squash and garlic mashed potatoes

Kansas City Steak Salad

Time for some dessert.

Dense, New York style cheese cake

Rich, double chocolate cake

San Francisco Part II

San Francisco’s tasty treats were a fun part of each day.

Yes!

In the last post I was talking about how much we missed Mexican food, and how it’s really the only kind of food that’s missing overseas.  There is the occasional Mexican cuisine, but nothing like we get in the States.  This place, I think it’s called Del Sol, has been our favorite spot for many years.  It probably seats 6 people, but those six people are lucky to be here, it’s delicious.

These two fed us well on more than one occasion, thanks!

Blood orange gelato with heirloom tomatoes in the background

Our hotel, Fairmont Heritage Place, Ghirardelli Square, had a wonderful kitchen and we took full advantage of it.  It was fully stocked with appliances and cooking supplies, we just needed to bring home the food.  We started shopping at the Ferry Building on Pier One and brought home some fresh heirloom tomatoes, basil, pasta, buffalo mozzarella, oil and balsamic vinegar (thanks Dad) for some pasta Caprese.

Pasta caprese in our room

Fried rice and fried noodles at Sam Wo's

A fine dining experience at Mr. Wo's

Some dried meats, smelly cheese and Kara's cupcakes

We took full advantage of our kitchen at the Fairmont.

Our version of the Manager's Favorite, mizithra and marinara sauce

Fresh, red, ripe, strawberries from the Farmer's Market

One of the highlights was shopping in and around the Ferry Building and Farmer’s Market.  We made several trips throughout the week.

Lindsay, this one's for you. Yes, I had some of my favorite wine and loved it.

Farmer’s market Taipei style

Not too far from home is one of many local produce markets that sell fruits, vegetables, meats and fish.  Prices are much better than what you’d pay in the grocery stores, and it’s a fun experience as well.

There are half a dozen of these little produce alleys within a few minutes walk from home.

Some of the veggies for sale

Laura picking out some fresh veggies for lunch

Some fresh meat?

We picked up some cherries, pineapple, mango and peaches here

Fresh fruits and veggies for a few days

All the beautiful food

Every vacation has some distinct memories about the food, good or bad.  Each trip to Paris is no different.  The French have enjoyed a rich food culture for hundreds of years and thankfully the fast-food chains haven’t destroyed that completely.  It’s true that McDonald’s is here, and a few other fast-food chains, but not nearly to the extent of any major city back home.  The Parisian idea of fast-food usually means a baguette with ham, butter and cheese, some type of sweet or savory crepe or a panini sandwich.  Of course you can get any type of food, but for fast street food these were the most popular choices.

Listed below are some photos of the foods we enjoyed throughout this trip.

One of my favorite spots for lunch. Eating a ham and cheese baguette sandwich in Luxembourg Gardens is the perfect meal.

Laura's amazing artichoke heart entree

An entree from the tasting menu at a restaurant near the hotel

A little wine with your meal?

There were so many kinds of cheese in this shop I had a hard time choosing. I picked up a couple pieces, bought some bread, some olives and headed back to the park for lunch.

Cheese, bread, olives and the gardens.....perfect!

You can't forget to top it off with an eclair chocolat.

Yes, I like gelato

I like to eat gelato after dinner.

I like to eat gelato alone.

I like to eat gelato with friends.

I like to eat gelato with my wife.

I like to eat gelato before dinner.

And yes, it is always strawberry and lemon.