So this staffer at 86 Recipes just celebrated a recent birthday (no, I will not disclose my exact age, but I was born somewhere between the Ford and Reagan administrations). Anyway, my annual birthday tradition is to take an extended lunch break, make my way down to New York City’s West Village and visit one of my favorite culinary stomping grounds, Corner Bistro. This timeless bar and grill has been bestowed with countless words of adoration throughout the years, so it is by no means any epicurean relevation for me to announce that “I love this place!” For those who are not in-the-know, Corner Bistro’s main attraction is its famous Bistro Burger, a monstrous, perfectly-cooked patty topped with onions, cheddar and two slabs of bacon. So, for the past five years, I have proudly ignored all caloric ramifications and indulged on one of these exquisite burgers with a side of fries for my special day. On this trip, I eschewed the front tables which were littered with guidebook-toting European tourists who were planning their trip to Magnolia Bakery and the “Sex and the City” stoop on Perry Street, and plopped down at the bar with some of the old timers. On these birthday pilgramages, I usually reflect on the past and sketch out Sierra Nevada-fused goals for the upcoming year of my life. However, on this visit, I surprised myself and engaged in a riveting conversation with some of the bar flies. We debated in the merits of Chinese architecture and whether or not Shirley Temple Black had passed away. I impressed/disgusted these older gentleman by whipping out my iPhone to find out that yes, thankfully, she is still alive. However, our discussion was abrubtly interrupted by the arrival of my lunch. At that moment, I was all business and prompty devoured my Bistro Burger with no time for left for small talk. After cleaning my plate, killing my pint and paying the bill, I cheerfully said my goodbyes and exited towards a brilliantly sunny West Village afternoon. Another great birthday lunch.

86 Recipes’ participant Bistro Boudin just opened one of its “Bistro SF” concept restaurants in Stockton, California.  To do so, it first had to bring its Mother Dough to town.

It was in 1849 that master baker Isidore Boudin (Bo-DEEN) first created the unique sourdough bread in San Francisco that bears his name. The starter dough he used has been replenished with flour and water every day for those 159 years and is present in every loaf of the trademarked Boudin Original Sourdough French Bread that has been made since.

Two weeks ago a 40-pound chunk of that starter dough - that Boudin Bakery affectionately refers to as Mother Dough - will arrive at the new Boudin SF restaurant in Stonecreek Village.

Boudin SF is a 2-year-old concept in restaurants for Boudin Bakery, offering a breakfast, lunch and dinner menu from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week, with no item more than $10. The Stockton restaurant is its seventh site nationwide, joining Boudin’s smaller Bakery Cafes around California and its flagship Bistro Boudin at San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf.

The restaurant menu will include its most popular item from San Francisco, clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl. Or for a change, there’s always rustic tomato soup, beef or vegetarian chili, or soup of the day - also in a bread bowl.

 www.BoudinBakery.com

We are looking forward to tonight’s NBA playoffs as the defending champs, San Antonio Spurs visit the Bayou and take on the upstart New Orleans Hornets in an enticing sudden-death Game 7. This is a classic matchup of Old vs. New as the veteran squad of Tim Duncan & Co. bring their 4 championship rings to Chris Paul and his team of young gunners…should be must-see TV. Inspired by this game, we at 86 Recipes take a look at both of these fantastic food towns. The Alamo City may boast some of the best Tex-Mex in world, but it also offers some delicous options in Barbeque and Soul Food. However, Tex-Mex is still the king, and, when you visit the Riverwalk, you definitely should sample some queso flameado, carne asada, chili relleno, menudo, enchiladas, and chalupas. Now, we all know that the Crescent City is the epicenter of creole standards such as gumbo, jambalaya, shrimp remoulade, beignets and the ever-so-tasty mufuletta. However, you can also find some other interesting offferenings in the Big Easy (yeah, we are going all out with city nicknames)…so, when you are exploring the French Quarter and its surroundings, try some Italian, Asian or Latin American. Do you have an opinion in the the San Antonio vs. New Orleans food debate? By the way, we are pulling for the Hornets tonight just because the Spurs need to share the wealth.

For the 7th year, Dine About Town San Francisco, returns from June 1st – 15th. 

Many participants in 86 Recipes - San Francisco Edition will offer three-course menus for lunch at $21.95 and/or dinner at $31.95. 

Reservations may be made online at http://www.onlyinsanfrancisco.com/dineabouttown