Most days around 11:30 a.m. I start thinking about that question. After working in the Financial District of San Francisco for about a year, following are a few suggestions:

Yank Sing 49 Stevenson Street – Dim Sum. They have a take-out counter or eat-in restaurant. The take-out is especially quick and affordable, with combo platters ranging from about $5 – $9. Lunch goers will find all the likely suspects, such as potstickers, siu mye, chow mein, and BBQ pork buns. I usually grab a sesame ball for dessert. There’s a large patio for the take-out crowd.

The Sentinel 37 New Montgomery Street – Sandwiches/soup. To say that The Sentinel serves sandwiches is an understatement. They offer some of the tastiest meals I’ve ever eaten between two pieces of bread.  I love that Chef Dennis Leary (also of Canteen) hands me my freshly prepared lunch. Menu changes seasonally, as does the soup selection. The house-made pickle is an extra special treat. $8 – $11.50.

Mixt Greens several locations – Salad shop. Yes, the salads are pricey, but they are also quite large and filling. The ingredients are always super-fresh and the salads are made on the spot to your exact specifications–they even ask you how much dressing to apply. One word of caution: the line can be quite long by 12:30, but on most days moves quite quickly. I adore the Fusion salad. The sesame soy vinaigrette is addicting! Most salads in the $7 -12$ range.

Flames Mediterranean & Burgers 88 2nd Street – Burgers & stuff. When I need a greasy (in a good way) burger, or super gooey grilled cheese & tomato for lunch this is where I go–hands down.  They offer an array of sandwiches, such as tuna melts and veggie burgers as well as typical Mediterranean offerings such as shawarma, hummus and gyros. Also, the fries are hand-cut on the premises. Prices around $5-$10.

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Yes, it’s true. I’m moving back to Providence at the end of March. Instead of buying a one-way plane ticket back, I’m taking the scenic route east. I’m not sure how long I’ll be gone. It could be anywhere from two to six weeks, depending on factors such as weather and how much cash is left in the wallet.

The above map is only an approximation of the route I plan to drive. If you have any tips on must-see sights, restaurants or diners let me know. Drop me a line if it looks like I’m driving through your town and perhaps we can set up a blogger gathering. Besides just eating out, It would be great to meet-up with folks and cook the specialties of your locale. I’d love to cook with a southern grandma and learn to make a proper biscuit, or perhaps you live around New Orleans and want to share your method for gumbo–in return I’d be happy to share my grandma’s method for red sauce and meatballs.

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My first taste of Cote d’Or chocolate was in 1993 when I spent a semester in Maastricht, The Netherlands.  With several candy stores in the city centre, I sampled many a candy variety during those 4 months–and gained several pounds in the process. My two favorite Cote d’Or products to this day remain the plain milk chocholate bar and the milk chocolate with hazlenuts. Being a sucker for marketing–I’m also a fan of the vintage wrapper. But how’s the chocolate? Smooth and creamy, but not overly sweet.

Not all products are available in the US, though most can be found at speciality import stores. The complete line is listed on the company web site, where you can also find suggestions for beverage/wine and chocolate pairings.

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February 14th and I have a love/hate relationship. I’m no fan of silly hearts, roses or diamonds, but I do love candy–especially chocolate. In preparation for 2/14 I’ve picked a few new items and old favorites to highlight throughout the week.

Lake Champlain Chocolates

Old World Truffles – For those looking for a spicy kick in their truffles, these dark chocolates are just the treat. The package of six contains two each of: Spiced Sumatran, Aztec and Raspberry Pink Peppercorn flavored dark chocolate ganache covered in a layer of dark chocolate.

These Peanut Butter Cups are a more mature take on the classic candy combination. A delicate, yet not overly sweet, peanut butter layer is sandwiched between two layers of smooth milk chocolate. I’ve checked with the company and the peanut butter they use to create this confection is safe and not part of the recall. These especially hit the spot during a mid-afternoon sweet craving.

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In an attempt to loosely associate the beverage with the just-passed economic stimulus/bailout plan, Diet Dr. Pepper announced it is giving away a coupon for a free beverage to the first 2 million people that register at the web site.

Seriously, lowering the price would be easier. But these promotions are not meant to provide ease to the consumer. It’s all about branding.

FYI – to the food and beverage companies issuing these releases, if you want more bloggers and online media to pick up these announcements, make it easier for us. Attach a photo to the release. Thanks!

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