October 2005 Archives

The letters "W" and "Q" have been outlawed in Turkey. We know that in many parts of the world freedom of speech is not protected like it is here, but this seems especially silly. It is as if the umlaut had been outlawed here in World War I. Büt, it wasn't.

Well, I did say it was a short review. The San Francisco Chronicle has bested me with a long article about The Tadich Grill. It is full of "human interest" stories and also has a few facts plus some good pix. Check it out.

It is a really big deal that five robotic vehicles have finished the 132-mile course at the DARPA Grand Challenge 2005.

It also showcases an efficient method for the US Gov to make rapid advances in technology, by sponsoring technology competitions. The DARP Grand Challenge was one example, and though it wasn’t government sponsored, the Ansari X-Prize won by Scaled Composites with Spaceship One, is another great example. I think NASA should scale back their manned space flight operations, including the shuttle, the space station, and the new plans to revisit the moon in 2018 using wheezing 50-year-old technology, and use the money to sponsor new technology like the Space Elevator.

UPDATE: Here's an article from today's New York Times: In a Grueling Desert Race, a Winner but Not a Driver.

Adam and Alex were visiting the Bay Area from England. Christine Huang got together 10 of the usual suspects and we had a terrific tasting at Zuppa on Tuesday, September 27th, 2005.

Let's Start by Celebrating

Sparking wine (from Italy - because we were in an Italian restaurant), and an interesting bottle of white (a rousanne/viognier blend).

• N.V. Bellavista Franciacorta Cuvée Brut - Italy, Lombardia, Franciacorta
  A really good sparkling white from Italy. Nice dense, mousse with good acidity and a sweet finish. I think Bellavisa Franciacorta is one of the best non-Champagne sparkling wine producers out there. (89 pts.)
• 2004 Linne Calodo The Contrarian - USA, California, Central Coast, Paso Robles
  I didn't take notes on this, but remember it as well made and enjoyable.

Mystery Wine

Adam and Alex brought along a wine from across the pond to see how smart us colonials were. Not too smart.

Now I know what a matsutake mushroom is. Like most things these days, I first came across the word matsutake somewhere on the Internet. Someone was extolling the grandeur of this noble fungi and commenting on the impressive amount of treasure that must be parted with to acquire same. The sum of $300+ per pound in Japan stuck in my mind, as I am certain it would stick it yours!

Besides their rarity, they had a tradition associated with their consumption. Just as every autumn white truffles are shaved onto plates of pappardelle slathered in butter and Parmesan cheese, chunks of matsutake mushroom are simmered in rich dashi broth with ginko nuts and seafood, then garnished with a piece of sudachi (a Japanese citrus) and served from a dobin mushi pot.

So when I saw some matsutake mushrooms at Far West Fungi in the San Francisco's Ferry Building, the $32/lb. price (ten times the cost of "ordinary" mushrooms) wasn't much of a hindrance, because compared to $300/lb. it seemed like the bargain of the century. I bought 6 ounces, and when I got home, I sat down to research various approaches to Matsutake Dobin Mushi.