Tabouli

Moving to a new neighborhood affords me the opportunity to try new restaurants nearby. So, for lunch today I went a couple blocks from home to try this Middle Eastern Restaurant called 'Tabouli'. I had heard great things about it and noticed a lunch special that was too good to pass up, so I dipped in for a taste.

Once inside, I noticed how clean and well kept the restaurant was; already a good sign by any standards. At the counter, the clerk was very friendly and helpful and I decided upon the Chicken Schwarma for lunch. I sat down and within five minutes I had the warm plate brought out to me. It smelled great and the lunch special came with salad, rice, pita, and hummus to top it all off. The first bite into the chicken had my stomach thanking me for my choice. The white meat was oh-so tender and flavorful, not to mention warm and very fresh. I gobbled down half the meal, and before I knew it I was quite full. I packed the remainder of the food to go, which I thought would make a great snack later in the day.

At $6.00 for the entire meal, I will definitely be back for more. If you're ever in Washington Heights and are at a lost for a place to eat, check out 'Toubouli' at 3915 Broadway and 164 Street. You will not be disappointed.

Anchor Brewing Co. Tour

Today, I had the wonderful experience of going on a tour of The Anchor "Steam" Brewery in the Potrero Hill neighborhood of San Francisco. Over a century old and one of the few breweries still left in The City, tours are given only once a day and are fully booked six months in advance. Luckily, I was able to get my friend and I in on the off chance that a party had cancelled.

The tour was great! Their brewery is housed in a century old, factory-like facility that used to be a roasting factory for coffee. Our guide was friendly and informative, and the tour itself lasted only a short 40 minutes. My favorite part had to be the 'packaging' area where 100's of bottles moved up and down belts endlessly as they went through labeling and 'crowning' (the actual capping of the bottle). The tour ended back in their pub style bar (where it began) with a leisurely taste-testing of their signature beers. The atmosphere was casual and laid back, that made conversation easy with the rest of the people on the tour. They also had cool bottle openers and mugs for sale, in addition to free vintage-inspired postcards and posters for all.

Needless to say, if you're ever in San Francisco and have some free time, go on the 'Anchor Steam' Brewery Tour. It's completely free, and well worth the two hours you're there. Just remember to call and book in advance, locals and tourists alike are still trying to get in!!

1705 Mariposa Street SF. CA 94107