Restaurants and cocktail bars that felt relaxed but intentional, coffee shops to start each morning and stores where time (and luggage space) disappeared without warning. Consider this curated snapshot of what worked for us, and what I’d seek out again without hesitation.
This Herby Rotisserie Chicken & Rice Soup is a winter staple and a sick-day go-to, topped with fresh baby kale and herbs for a soup-and-salad effect in one bowl. The rice breaks down as it simmers, creating a comforting, lightly thickened broth that's so satisfying. Finished with lemon and pantry toppings, it’s a flexible, low-effort soup that’s perfect for chilly days and fridge-cleanout cooking.
This slow-roasted Tomato Confit Butter is rich, savory, and packed with summer flavor. Made with sweet tomatoes, garlic, oregano, and olive oil, it’s blended with creamy butter for a perfect summer spread. Try it on toast, grilled corn, or tossed with warm pasta. It's an easy make-ahead condiment that highlights the best of tomato season.
Cool, savory, and unexpectedly elegant, this Tomato Granita with Whipped Ricotta Cream is the summer dessert you didn’t know you needed. Fresh grated tomatoes are frozen and scraped into delicate flakes, then served over a creamy basil olive oil–infused ricotta whip for a refreshing dish that’s equal parts appetizer and dessert. Perfect for warm nights, garden parties, or anytime you want to impress with something a little different.
This vibrant summer salad brings together juicy heirloom tomatoes, salty feta, and crispy fried capers in a fennel-anchovy oil that’s rich, savory, and just a little unexpected. It’s a fast but flavor-packed dish that’s equally at home alongside a grilled burger or piled onto golden toast.
With crispy bacon, pickled shallots, and a tangy, mustard-forward dressing, this potato salad is punchy and just a little unexpected. It's light on the mayo, generous with the herbs, and full of texture and flavor. The kind of side dish that might just steal the show.
With summer in full swing and strawberries at their sun-warmed and deeply sweet peak, we’re leaning into a favorite summer dessert and pairing them with buttery, peppery buttermilk biscuits that are flaky and just lemony enough to balance the sweetness. A big spoonful of whipped cream is a must and few torn leaves of basil and mint brighten it up even more! It’s a dessert made for eating outside, or at least imagining you are despite the foggy weather of San Francisco summers.
We're celebrating spring with this Braised Lamb with English Pea Smash and pairing tender, slow-cooked lamb with a bright and creamy pea puree. Finished with mint and feta, it's the perfect Sunday roast for a fresh and vibrant spring dinner.
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With crispy bacon, pickled shallots, and a tangy, mustard-forward dressing, this potato salad is punchy and just a little unexpected. It's light on the mayo, generous with the herbs, and full of texture and flavor. The kind of side dish that might just steal the show.
With summer in full swing and strawberries at their sun-warmed and deeply sweet peak, we’re leaning into a favorite summer dessert and pairing them with buttery, peppery buttermilk biscuits that are flaky and just lemony enough to balance the sweetness. A big spoonful of whipped cream is a must and few torn leaves of basil and mint brighten it up even more! It’s a dessert made for eating outside, or at least imagining you are despite the foggy weather of San Francisco summers.
This Red Lentil Dal with Coconut Rice & Tomato Relish combines earthy lentils, aromatic spices, and creamy coconut milk for a comforting, flavor packed dish. Paired with coconut rice and a fresh tomato basil relish, this dal is perfect for cozy nights in or to batch cook and stash away in the freezer for later.
In case you're in the market for a turkey substitute this week or looking for a tasty fall flavored protein for your next dinner, this Braised Pork with Rosemary Apple Chutney is here for you. The combination of tender, slow-cooked pork and tangy apple chutney is a delicious celebration of the rich, savory flavors of fall.
The staple food of childhood, the go-to item on a thanksgiving table, and the comfort food of all comfort foods, this Crispy, Creamy Mac & Cheese is a favorite around here. The velvety sauce made from Gruyère, cheddar, and Parmesan topped with a golden, crunchy panko topping beats any boxed version and is sure to become your new go-to Mac & Cheese recipe.
This easy Chive Crème Fraîche Dip is the perfect creamy addition to any charcuterie board to balance out sharp cheeses and salty cured meats. Ready in under five minutes, it’s a deliciously simple dip for veggies or chips, making it a go-to snack for movie nights and gatherings.
Your bachelor watch parties, Sunday football, and Bravo binge nights are simply begging for this spicy cheese dip to be added to your snack spread! It’s spicy, creamy and perfect served with crispy crostinis.
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Here you’ll find my curated guide to where I ate, drank, sipped coffee and shopped in Tokyo pulled together from two weeks of walking, tasting and falling in love with yet another city. Restaurants worth building a day around, cocktail bars that felt relaxed but intentional, coffee shops we sought out each morning and stores where time (and luggage space) disappeared without warning. These are the places that made the city feel generous and livable, whether you’re visiting for the first time or planning a return trip. Consider this less a definitive Tokyo travel guide and more a well-edited snapshot of what worked for us, and what I’d seek out again without hesitation.
Nestled at the base of Twin Peaks, the Castro District is undeniably one of San Francisco's most vibrant and storied neighborhoods. Once a modest working-class area, it transformed into the epicenter of LGBTQ+ activism and culture in the 1970s, becoming a symbol of love, pride, and resilience for the entire city. Today, its rainbow crosswalks and historic landmarks stand as reminders of its past and welcoming everyone to celebrate its diverse present…
Explore the micro neighborhood of San Francisco's vibrant Mission district that is seemingly dominating the restaurant scene lately. From Michelin ranked Izakaya style Japanese food and Korean BBQ, to world recognized cocktail bars and Oaxacan style Mexican food, explore my guide to the Mission's best restaurants east of Van Ness.
Explore San Francisco's vibrant Mission district, where rich history meets playful energy. Immerse yourself in colorful murals, historic landmarks, eclectic eateries, and thriving nightlife. From high-end foraged pre-fixe menus to quick bites and iconic Mission-style burritos, dive into my guide to the best restaurants west of Van Ness.
Home to artists, writers, and some of the best Italian food in San Francisco, North Beach is the city's heartbeat. Discover her charm, iconic architecture, and vibrant energy with my guide to top-notch restaurants, wine bars, and my favorite spot for jazz. Whether you're craving cold-cuts or elevated pre-fixe menus, dive into my guide to the best restaurants in this quintessential SF neighborhood.
Home to trendy coffee shops, specialty groceries, and some of the best restaurants in San Francisco, Nopa is a vibrant neighborhood worth exploring. Discover its charm, diverse flavors, and local gems with my guide to top eateries and must-visit spots. Whether you're in the mood for artisanal coffee or the (arguably) best burger in SF, dive into my curated guide to the best of Nopa.
Home to diverse flavors, high-end brands, and unique architecture, come explore Hayes Valley's restaurant scene. Discover her energy with my guide to top-notch restaurants, including a delicious bakery and hidden gems like an intimate 8-seat bar. Whether you're craving juicy dumplings or refined pre-fixe menus, dive into my curated guide to the best of Hayes Valley.
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I’m Cate, a San Francisco based recipe developer. Here you’ll find flavor-forward recipes rooted in seasonal California cooking, neighborhood restaurant guides to my favorite city, and lots of yapping about food. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a tomato-season obsession, I write about food the way I experience it: with curiosity, joy, and a little bit of chaos. Let's dish on my latest flavor obsession and explore the culinary scene together.
This Herby Rotisserie Chicken & Rice Soup is a winter staple and a sick-day go-to, topped with fresh baby kale and herbs for a soup-and-salad effect in one bowl. The rice breaks down as it simmers, creating a comforting, lightly thickened broth that's so satisfying. Finished with lemon and pantry toppings, it’s a flexible, low-effort soup that’s perfect for chilly days and fridge-cleanout cooking.
This Mushroom and Pancetta Risotto is my go to creamy, comfort dish that combines earthy mushrooms, savory pancetta, and fresh herbs for a rich, satisfying bite. It’s a simple and indulgent recipe that’s perfect for cozy nights and salty cravings.
This Short Rib Kimchi Stew is the ultimate winter comfort food, combining tender short ribs with spicy gochujang, kimchi, and a rich broth simmered to umami perfection. The braised beef, black garlic, and Calabrian chili paste build layers of depth and warmth. With a side of fluffy rice, this soup is the best meal for a cozy night in, or when you need to impress!
This Roasted Beets with Lemony Yogurt, Mint, and Pomegranate recipe combines the earthiness of apple cider vinegar-roasted beets with a tangy lemon yogurt, fresh herbs, and juicy pomegranate arils. It’s an easy, vibrant dish that works as an appetizer, side, or meal prep option for any occasion!
This Winter Farro Salad with Roasted Sunchokes is here to cure the winter blues! Crispy sunchokes are tossed together with fluffy farro, kale, apples, and briny feta. It’s basically a bunch of wholesome ingredients conspiring to bring sunshine in the middle of winter!
With all the makings of a labored dish, this easy Pasta alla Vodka comes together in a pinch. I’ve tweaked this classic a bit to bring some more depth of spice and creaminess to this iconic Italian-American dish.
This Tuscan Style Sausage & White Bean Soup is built with spicy Italian sausage, creamy Great Northern beans, caramelized tomato paste and fresh herbs for a deeply savory, herby broth. Finished with tender kale and a swirl of bright basil pesto, it’s a cozy Dutch oven soup that feels slow-simmered but is weeknight-friendly and perfect any time you’re craving a cozy soup.