San Francisco | WhyDid.com

Why Did You Eat That: Mamacita

By admin|August 25th, 2011|San Francisco (The Bay), Why Did You Eat That?|

I know I give San Francisco a bad rap, but I guess it’s not all bad. The do have delightful Mexican food, afterall (and I love some good Mexican food). A friend suggested we try out Mamacita in the Marina, so we obliged and were happy we did so. The place is a bit crowded on a weekend and you will probably have to wait if you don’t have a reservation. So, you’re probably going to want to go ahead and get the party started with a pitcher of pomegranate margaritas (made with pomegranate infused tequila) and a bit of the guacamole while you wait for a table. I’ve had a lot of good guacamole in my day, but never have I had any so creamy. I would love to know what they put in there to get that smooth consistency. So far, so good.

We actually didn’t have to wait as long as we’d thought and started things off with Tamales de Elote (sweet corn tamales) and Crudo de Atun (tuna tartar). Both were out. of. this. world. After gorging ourselves on appetizers , we each opted to try a different type of taco- Chuleta de Borrego (lamb), Callos de Mula (scallops), and Carnitas Cerditas (pulled pork). I would say I was the “loser” of the bunch with the pork tacos. They weren’t awful, but compared to the rest, they fell a bit flat. The word that kept coming up when testing out the other tacos was “smooth.” We were so happy with our meals that we had no room for dessert and I would absolutely head back here for my next taco fix.

So what does one wear when munching on Mexican in the Marina? This area is a bit “preppy” or maybe even “yuppy” so, most of the patrons were pretty conservatively dressed. But when’s the last time you felt the need to fit in? Keep it casual with a bit of a twist with a silky blouse, skinny jeans, and funky accessories. You’ll stand out without looking like a total outcast.

1. Ya Ya Fisher Nom De Plume Blouse, $69, 2. 7 For All Mankind Gwenevere Mid-Rise Skinny Jeans, $170, 3. Jimmy Choo Peep Toe Patent Platform Pump, $695, 4. House of Harlow Val Studded Clutch, $195, 5. Kendra Scott Nasha Necklace, $145

Bonita mamacita!

xx,

WhyDid

Setting the Mood: Hallucinate a Heatwave

By Kirsten|August 2nd, 2011|Setting the Mood|

Mark Twain once said, “The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco.” Well, he certainly wasn’t kidding. One would think living in California is all palm trees and sunshine… well, not so much.

After returning from the east coast this week, I realized how much I miss a real summer. You know, the almost unbearable heat that lingers long past sunset and the humidity that can curl even the most perfectly coifed ‘do. While it rarely dips below forty in California, the summers are never as warm as those of the east coast. It never, ever feels like summer. “They” tell me it gets warm starting in September, but I don’t buy it.

These bright brights are just going to have to get me through the mild California summer. Perhaps wearing something bright will radiate its own heat.

xx,

WhyDid

Lingerie: Deobrah Marquit

Bracelet: Tom Binns

Shoes: Miu Miu

The List Volume XLVI

By Kirsten|June 3rd, 2011|The List|

Let’s keep it short and bittersweet… kind of like the cocktail I had at 5 o’clock.

Bacne.Take care of your craters before slipping into a halter. Thx.
Burnt popcorn. (To be honest, I don’t like popcorn at all).
Open toed shoes are a privilege. If you insist on wearing them, please make sure your toes are presentable.
San Francisco’s weather.
Melodrama.
The Real Housewives of New Jersey. This is a grown up Jersey Shore and it’s gotta go. (Ya hear that, Bravo?)
Dirty grout.
The smell of laundry that’s been left in the washer too long.
High waisted jeans. Everyone looks like an a-hole in them. No one’s vajay and entire female reproductive system needs to be accentuated to that degree.
People who will not, no matter how hard I stomp, huff, and/or puff get out of the middle of the sidewalk. MOVE.

Have an absolutely fantastic weekend. It’s calling for rain here in SF. Mazel.

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Wear That: Come On Ride The Train

By Kirsten|May 17th, 2011|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

Never would I have imagined that I’d be a “commuter” at any given point in my life. I remember scoffing at the folks who took the LIRR (Long Island Railroad) into work everyday in New York. The only thing I’d ever used the LIRR for was to attend a baseball game (I think?) or to escape an especially creepy Hamptons House. So, to be one of the “commuters” now is a bit of an adjustment for me, but as I’ve mentioned… my life is a whole lot different than it was a year ago. I chose a backyard and awesome house over the glitz and convenience of a city. Besides… there is only one real city in the U.S.

While working from home does have its perks (Golden Girls marathons, dog on lap, wine for lunch), it had the following effects on me:

My brain was starting to atrophy from lack of stimulation.
I had nothing to complain about on “the list.”
I had not bothered to straighten my hair or apply makeup for over a month.
My nickname became “Rapunzel.”
I was like an anxious puppy when my fiance returned home and our sleep schedules were no longer in sync.

That is why I took an incredible job opportunity when it presented itself to me. That and mama likes nice things. So, yes, this is what has been taking my precious time away from you. I spend my mornings and evenings on the Caltrain. While this does give me lots of time to write and just be quiet, it also gives me lots of people watching. People are weird. I’ve seen people straighten their hair, clip their fingernails, and take their dogs into the restrooms on the train. Why don’t I just drive you ask? Because I lived in New York for the last five years. I don’t like to drive.

In Northern California, it feels like it is perpetually spring. Not the sunny warm bird chirping can’t wait to put on these sandals spring. I’m talking about the phew the snow just melted but there’s still always a chill in the air spring. Therefore, even when it’s sunny, it’s still always a little bit cold. Layering is a necessary skill for survival here and a transitional wardrobe is a must. Quite honestly, all of this seems unfair to me. My mom has better weather in West Virginia right now… I want my money back.

1. Rick Owens Lilies Asymmetric Jacket, $705, 2. T by Alexander Wang Jersey Pocket Tee, $76, 3. Etoile Isabel Marant Hight Waisted Denim Mini Skirt, $255, 4. Love Quotes Hand Knotted Fringe Scarf, $88, 5. Banana Republic Colorblock Market Tote, $120, 6. Loeffler Randall Matilde Flat Boots, $695

All aboard.

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Eat That: A Lot at Steak

By Kirsten|May 2nd, 2011|Recipes, Why Did You Eat That?|

What does the average straight 30 year old man love more than sports and beer? Steak. So, for my fiance’s thirtieth birthday dinner, I took my handsome no longer twenty beau to Alexander’s Steakhouse for a manly meal. We had stopped in once for a glass of prosecco on a sunny Friday afternoon and decided we’d have to come back for dinner.

When I called in for the reservation, I’d gone ahead and let them know that it was, in fact, for a birthday celebration so they said they’d set up something nice. They did not disappoint… but we will get to that later. I encouraged my sweetie that he should order anything his little heart desired. It was his birthday afterall (and we all know that anything goes on birthdays). So, he went ahead and decided on a sampler of wagyu beef.

So what the hell is wagyu beef you’re wondering. Yeah, I was wondering the same thing. I’m not shy when it comes to red meat. I enjoy a delicious steak as much as the next omnivore, but I would hardly call my self a connoisseur in the beef department. Apparently, wagyu is a specific breed of cattle known for a marbling in the meat. This “marbling” is, yes, fatty and supposed to give more of a “buttery” taste. This specific type of meat is similar to Kobe beef and cattle is raised in Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and the US.

While the wagyu certainly was tasty, I’m happy to stick with a tried and true filet. The texture of the wagyu was a problem for me. I found it a bit chewier, but I also don’t like shrimp or lobster… so make your own judgement calls here. What really stole the show for me (other than the insane sides of mashed potatoes and asparagus) was the service. They started us off with prosecco on the house, offered up the amuse bouche, wowed us with a raspberry lemon sorbet between the appetizer and entrees, and they sure did bring out boysenberry cotton candy, macaroons, cake, and more bubbly libations for dessert.

As we waited for a cab, they brought us champagne because according to them, “no one should not have some champagne when waiting for a cab.” I second that.

I, unfortunately, have no miracle steak recipe for you. However, I do have a recipe for sesame ginger asparagus from Good Housekeeping that will rock your world. Behold:

Ingredients:

1 1/2 pound(s) thin asparagus, trimmed and cut diagonally into 2-inch pieces
1 tablespoon(s) canola oil
1 tablespoon(s) fresh ginger, peeled and chopped
1 tablespoon(s) reduced-sodium soy sauce
1/4 teaspoon(s) crushed red pepper
1 teaspoon(s) sesame seeds
1 teaspoon(s) Asian sesame oil

Directions:

In 12-inch skillet, heat 1 cup water to boiling over high heat. Add asparagus; heat to boiling. Reduce heat to medium. Cover and cook 4 to 5 minutes or until asparagus is tender-crisp. Drain asparagus in colander, then immediately plunge into large bowl of ice water to stop cooking; drain thoroughly.
Carefully wipe skillet dry with paper towels. Add canola oil; heat oil over high heat until hot. Add asparagus, ginger, soy sauce, and crushed red pepper, and cook 1 to 2 minutes or just until asparagus is heated through. Remove skillet from heat; stir in sesame seeds and sesame oil.

If you’re looking to celebrate a special evening out with your sweetie or friends, I certainly would recommend Alexander’s.

xx,

WhyDid

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