The Fro Fro Blog

First Takes on Flour + Water and Humphry Slocombe (San Francisco)

Despite having a reservation we were seated at community table. Diaphanous window shades let the sun glare in my eyes. So loud we could barely hear each other. Had to say everything twice. What? Had to say everything twice.

I would've tolerated all of that if the food had been better, but the asparagus salad was just ok and the pizza had me longing for Picco or Delfina. Watery sauce, barely any cheese. 

We ordered those two and said maybe we'd get pasta if still hungry, but after the first two and all the noise, all we wanted to do was get out. It was the dining equivalent of leaving the theater before the end of a movie.  

But I'll be damned if I'm not gonna get dessert. Luckily Humphry Slocombe is only a few blocks away. Secret Breakfast (bourbon & corn flakes), Blue Bottle Coffee, and Peanut Butter Curry put me in a much better mood. Amazing, creative flavors - change daily - now following them on Twitter (@humphryslocombe) for the latest so I'm sure this isn't the last of them you'll hear from me.

Wink (Austin)

My Dear Fro Fro Blog faithful - I've been neglecting you! You've been missing out on all my escapades unless you've followed me over on the Web's latest bright shiny object, Twitter -- http://twitter.com/laurafrofro. C'mon people: if my dad can do it, so can you. But since you did take the time to read this post, I'll reward you with a delicious meal. 

No cheeky sarcasm at Wink - just simple, flavorful and beautifully presented dishes. ;) an amuse of basil lime agua fresca to enjoy while perusing the menu 

;) rabbit ravioli with peas, carrots and shaved Italian summer truffle 

;) grilled antelope on celeriac purée with maitake mushrooms and baby leeks 

;) wink trio: sampling of lemon meringue pot (tart lemon curd inside a crisp meringue shell), crème brûlée, and el rey flourless chocolate cake.

The ravioli were surprisingly light. The antelope and celeriac exceeded my expectations for something unique; the savory, beautifully cooked, well-seasoned meat and the creamy celeriac complemented each other perfectly. As for the desserts -- they were the perfect threesome. Nudge nudge, wink Wink ;)