Show Report
In general I think the show went well. It was a bit hard to get a gauge on overall attendance as people seem to be arriving and departing mid-show. Seminars were well attended. I think there were fewer paysite programs represented, but there seemed to be an increase in seconday vendors. Copywriters, marketing, SEO etc.
I managed to meet up with the short list I had before I left Houston, and made another 6 or 8 contacts in addition. That's about par for me based on prior shows. I got to meet a few more people that I'd only known from the boards. I even had a little chat with B2B Bruce and I think we each better understand where the other is coming from.
Overall, based on the abysmal reviews of some other recent shows I'd call this a resounding success.
Culinary Report
Thur - Lunch at Pearl's Diner
Voted the best burger in SF. I had the Phat Bobb and a blueberry shake.
Roll up your sleeves and get plenty of napkins. Thick juicy flavorful burger patty. Once you pick it up, you don't dare put it down again. And the fresh blueberry shake was yummy.
Friday - Dinner at Nob Hill Grille
Private menu by special request. Fresh Columbia River King Salmon.
Course #1 - House Cured Smoked Salmon
Capers, shallots, creme fraiche and garlic croutini
partnered with Dungeness crab Sunomono
Course #2 - Salmon Chowder
along side coriander and fennel salad
Course #3 - Grilled Salmon
roasted butternut squash, carrot & asparagus salad with heirloom tomato vinaigrette
Course #4 - Pan Seared Salmon
roasted red potato, smokey honey butter, and sauteed baby sunburst squash.
Every course was amazing, but the chowder and pan seared stood out. Even the two guys that had never eaten salmon before were impressed.
Saturday - Dinner at Bar Jules
menu for 6/27 (changes daily)
Appetizers
spring vegetable soup with pesto
little gem lettuces with cucumbers, radishes, and creamy vinaigrette
mussel salad with potatoes, peas, and chervil
la quercia prosciutto with fresh mozzarella and grilled squash blossoms
steak tartare with all the fixings
asparagus vinaigrette with hard cooked egg
Entrees
wood grilled yellowfin tuna with green beans, sweet corn, and basil
wood grilled berkshire pork chop with roasted figs, fennel, arugula, and walnuts
marin sun farms shortribs braised in red wine with white beans, spring onions, and horseradish cream
Desserts
strawberry shortcake
river cafe' chocolate nemesis
There were six of us, so we ordered one each of the appetizers and shared, and two each of the entrees and shared. We even managed to gang up and put away one of both desserts.
All of the selections were out of this world. Everything super fresh and expertly prepared, a total gastronimic delight. SF has dozens of these small 30-40 seat restaurants, where the owner is usually right there working nightly waiting tables, tending bar or doing the cooking. Most of these places require reservations well in advance. Getting a table for six on relatively short notice was a real coup. Thanks to Liz, Chad and Indy for including me.
Sunday - Dinner at my brothers place
Appetizer - pan fried lobster ravioli
Main course - Kobe beef roast, dry roasted with Tuscan herb rub. dry roasted baby red potato and steamed broccoli
Monday - Dinner at my brothers place
pork wellington, stuffed with sharp white cheddar. mushroom risotto and a large garden salad.
I've been afraid to get on the scale this morning.