We headed to see my family this year for Christmas in the Bay Area last Wednesday, with a grueling trek on the 5 freeway. After a way too long trip we arrived at my Mom's house. She had already eaten dinner but decided to make us a little something. It just so happened she and her boyfriend had been in Chinatown recently and bought the yummiest steamed buns I have ever had. There was a black bean bun that was slightly sweet and the dough was soft, most and almost spongy. For Cristian she served up pork steam buns, a bit of heaven in the doughy wrapping. He ate at least three despite our big lunch a few hours earlier. Right then we decided a trip to San Fran would be inevitable.
Christmas Eve we wrapped gifts and sought out supplies before heading over to my best friend's house. She had worked all day long yet insisted on hosting a small party. She made quiche, bruschetta and even spicy cheese fondue. On top of that there was at least a gallon of champagne punch that was amazing. Cristian had found a recipe for espresso martinis while in BevMo and had brought the ingredients to the get together. They were a hit. The drinks allowed the crew to gather enough courage to play Cranium and Wii, a first for my Mom on both accounts. Overall a fun, festive night.
Christmas Day we headed to my best friend's in-laws, the Ladds, after a brief stint at grandma's. I will say she had made bread from scratch that she pulled out of the oven and it was so fresh and warm I could have eaten the entire loaf. At the Ladd's a more traditional holiday feast was served. Steaks were barbecued, mashed potatoes with gravy, home canned green beans and topped off with apple pie a la mode. We entertained ourselves with Scattegories, a new game to me that I highly enjoyed. The whole lot of us then piled in the car to see the festival of lights put on by the Santa Clara County parks.
As promised we made the trip to San Francisco Saturday after a fabulous brunch (see Hobee's blog). We found an amazing assortment of treasures in Chinatown, including a sake set, sushi how to book and a grow your own bonsai tree kit. We even stumbled upon the recommended bakery for steam buns. After purchasing a dozen to go we decided to have a snack while we were there. We ordered shrimp and pork dim sum and seafood and vegetarian steamed buns all for about $6. I tell you the food was mouthwatering and so flavorful.
That night after the after Christmas crowd, my best friend joined us for dinner in Santana Row. We ate at The Counter, a Burger Bar-esque (found in Las Vegas and San Francisco) restaurant. You get a clip board to order your burger exactly as you want. Start by choosing the meat size of the patty. Then add cheese and toppings, sauce and bun. Finish it off with a selection of fries and onion rings. Nothing better than a burger you customize, except the fact you have to narrow down your tastes!
Overall a fun filled, tummy full trip.
Merry Christmas everyone!
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