Ghetto Gourmet's topics - tribe.net

Omnivore's Table

2008-03-02T18:12:12Z

Greetings!

We're working with Peter Jackson to present Canvas Underground's at a North Oakland home:

Register for dinner at http://omnivoremar16.eventbrite.com

Braised Berkshire Pork Belly
frisee, roasted cipollini onions, whole grain mustard vinaigrette

Parsnip and Carrot Soups
meyer lemon and pickled ginger

Smoked Tea Cured Loch Duarte Salmon
fingerling potatoes, asparagus, golden beets, balsamic "barbecue" syrup

Chocolate Meringue Tart
bittersweet chocolate ganache, toasted almond, blood orange creme fraiche

Don't forget to bring your own bottle of wine and a healthy appetite! Looking forward to having you join us!

Cheers,
Vera @ the Ghet

http://www.theghet.com/group/ggsf

posted in Ghetto Gourmet - 0 replies

i want to host a ghetto gourmet party.....how do i do that?

2007-04-26T19:24:30Z

Yes, I do....tell me what it takes, and if you are still doing this type of thing.

Love

posted in Ghetto Gourmet - 2 replies

what's going on as of 4/19/07

2007-04-25T22:29:37Z

from the email list - GET ON IT if you want to be updated!!

Date: Thu, 19 Apr 2007
From: eat@theghet.com

Hey everyone,

First of all, thanks so much for supporting and encouraging us and helping us grow, we really couldn't do it without you. And who in the world are you? Hello out there!!!

The ghet has really spread it's wings since that basement apartment in Oakland. We've got mailing lists for about a dozen cities and local GG Fixers in SF, LA, NYC and Chicago.

It's a crazy thing to do: to present tasting menus and entertainment in other people's houses for gangs of curious foodies, coast to coast. We're always learning. And how could we not? We're working with some of the coolest folks out there to make it happen.

The best part is juxtaposing talent such as chefs, musicians, comics and dancers and bringing them together for people like you, a little
dinner party that has evolved into a phenomenon. We're really excited and grateful to be where we are and doing what we do, and we're looking forward to some new ideas, new cities and more new friends.

The Ghet is in the process of redesigning the website and bringing some great new features to our members and fans, including recipes, custom shwag <http://ghetto-gourmet.com/store/> , a behind-the-scenes videocast and more. To learn more, send us an email : eat@theghet.com

If you're not yet a member, you can sign up here
http://theghet.com/website/index.php?option=com_registration&task=register

In the meantime, blog it, tag it, come to dinner, ghet involved, check out our fly new gear and tell your friends, we've got some dinners coming up: These events have a few spaces left.

Chicago Events
http://ggchi427.eventbrite.com/

http://ggchi428.eventbrite.com/

http://ggchi5207.eventbrite.com/

http://ggchi5407.eventbrite.com/

http://ggchi5507.eventbrite.com/

NYC Events
http://ggnyc424.eventbrite.com/

http://ggnyc59.eventbrite.com/

http://ggnyc515.eventbrite.com/

http://ggnyc516.eventbrite.com/
LA Events
http://ggla419.eventbrite.com/

Eat right, have fun and be well.
the ghetto gourmet
jeremy, kenny, buckets and the rest of the gang

posted in Ghetto Gourmet - 0 replies

LA, Chicago, & then Oakland on 4/20

2007-03-17T03:53:00Z

SPREAD THE WORD to your friends in other cities that the Ghetto Gourmet is coming to town! LA and Chicago this month; keep an eye on this tribe or sign up on the email list for info about other cities this summer.

from Jeremy @ the Ghet:

Greetings Gourmettes,
We have been busy setting things up this week in LA and working on next week's Chicago dinners and the upcoming Bay Area events. Before we get started we should tell you about this Saturday in LA. It's shaping up to be THE coolest last minute Ghetto Gourmet event. We
have probably the sweetest loft/performance space in LA, with a really cool improvisational interaction between a violinist and a
dancer. Then we have Addi Somekh, the balloon bassist. We have not even mentioned the ultra talented Chef Cynthia Washburn yet, wait
till you taste... You won't want to miss this one:

LA March 17th <http://ggla32707.eventbrite.com/>

But if you do miss it don't worry we have more going on in LA and more to come. Keep your eye on the website.

LA March 23 <http://gg0323.eventbrite.com/>

LA March 24 <http://gg0324.eventbrite.com/>

We have some great stuff planned in the weeks to come and we want you to join us. New Orleans, DC, Atlanta, Charleston, SC, Boston, NYC and California Wine Country. Not necessarily in that order but you get the idea. Want to ghet involved? http://ghettogourmet.org/Survey/

Keep an eye on the website, and help us spread the word. We couldn't do it without you!

Check out our Chicago dates.

Chicago 03/23 <http://ggchi323.eventbrite.com/>

Chicago 03/24 <http://ggchi324.eventbrite.com/>

Chicago 03/26 <http://ggchi326.eventbrite.com/>

Chicago 03/28 <http://ggchi327.eventbrite.com/>

Then back in the Bay Area.
Oakland 4/20 <http://gg420spa.eventbrite.com/>

Tell your friends and help spread the word, the Ghetto Gourmet is coming to your town. You're so cool, we could not do it without you!
eat well,
the ghet

posted in Ghetto Gourmet - 1 reply

12/19, 12/20, NYE, 2007 and beyond!

2006-12-15T18:04:17Z

from Jer@theGhet:

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Hey Yall-

We've been busy taking the GG style coast-to-coast, and believe me, we've missed you SF. After a very successful trip to New York City and another exciting eventful week in LA, it's good to be back in the soggy foggy Bay, at least for a few days. Chicago and Nashville are next, and then...the world!

So, even though it's a little crazy with all the buzz and possibilities, we figured we'd throw a few quick events to reconnect with our dear SF fans before we plow into 2007.

Firstly, this weekend, Chef Efrain Cuevas is doing some hors d'oeuvres at a performance/fundraiser to benefit our friend Melissa Hudson's dance company, HudsonDance. We collaborated with HD on the very successful Dessert First project in the spring, and we're glad to be involved again. Check out this link to learn more: http://www.myspace.com/hudsondance
............................

Then on Sunday, December 19th, we're doing a little brunch in the East Bay. We're rockin a cozy spot off of Piedmont Avenue with this yummy menu from Chef Efrain:

Lump Crab and Asparagus Omelet w/ Lemon Saffron Hollandaise

Home Fried Potatoes w/ Pancetta and herbs, Sprouted Grain Toast

(Veg option: Oyster and shitake mushroom instead of crab)

Apple Crepes w/ Dark Buckwheat Honey and Handmade Queso Cotija

Accompanied by Fresh Seasonal Fruit

AND Mimosas, Bloody Maries, and Peet"s Coffee

We'll have a special guest vocalist, who recently received raves for his work with the Oakland Opera.

It'll be a casual affair (pjs, anyone?): $35 per person, guests arrive at 1230pm with a floor cushion, a big appetite and sleep in their eyes.
here's the link for reservations: http://ggsfbrunch121706.eventbrite.com

......................
Then on Wednesday, December 20th, Chef Josh is following his native american-inspired anti-thanksgiving dinner with an equally delicious and clever menu for our first anti-christmas supper in SF's Potrero district.

The menu will feature some tropical touches and some very tasty plays on traditional holiday fare.

Guests arrive at 730pm, it's $40 per person + BYOB + a floor cushion + a snazzy gift less than ten bucks.

Here's the link...
http://ggsf122006.eventbrite.com

................
And finally, a real treat for you procrastinators, we're doing a Ghetto Gourmet New Year's to take us in to 2007. We've got this great gallery space in SOMA, we're doing a 5-course dinner party from 8-1030pm, hors d'oeuvres and champagne from 1030pm-mid-night, and there's even going to be an after-party, so come join us for some or all of the Ghetto Gourmet's San Francisco New Year.

Here's the info: http://ggnye2007.eventbrite.com

.....................
As for next year, look for more regular events throughout the bay, including a dollar taco sunday shindig, as well as local gg chapters in a few other cities, and a little cross-country dinner party tour starting off in the spring.

Thanks so much to all of you for your support and encouragement. it's been a wild ride and such a pleasure to dine with you, and we look forward to continuing to provide fun dinner parties and supperclub events where great food, new friends and cool art meet.

eat right, have fun, and be well.
jeremy
http://www.theghet.com

p.s. anybody have a eurovan weekender i can take on a cross-country dinner party tour???

posted in Ghetto Gourmet - 0 replies

the ghet in Time magazine

2006-11-08T00:53:50Z

http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1555141,00.html

hopefully you're not all as jaded as that guy. jeesh.

posted in Ghetto Gourmet - 0 replies

GG in LA and NYC - Oct/Nov

2006-10-19T16:37:47Z

please spread the word to your friends outside the bay area....collaboration in the form of art, music, dance, and dishwashing needed!

~~~~~~~~~~~

The ghetto gourmet is on the road again. We’re heading to LA and NYC in the next few weeks to make some delicious things happen. We’d love to see you at some of these upcoming events, and it would be great if you could help us get the word out. We’re still looking for a few collaborators for some of these dates. Join us for dinner, refer us to friends and hold on to your fork!
http://www.theghet.com/

Our LA dinners are just around the corner.
We’ve got three great chefs cooking up three great nights, and some seats are still available.
Check it out:

LA GG Events

Tuesday, 10.24
http://ggla102406.eventbrite.com

Wednesday, 10.25
http://ggla102506.eventbrite.com

Thursday, 10.26
http://ggla102606.eventbrite.com

AND, The GG NYC dates are set, and cheap seats are available while we’re working out the details.
Here’s a sneak preview:

Tuesday, November 14th
http://ggnycnov14.eventbrite.com

Wednesday, November 15th
http://ggnycnov15.eventbrite.com

Thursday, November 16th
Private thing

Friday, November 17th
http://ggnycnov17.eventbrite.com

Saturday, November 18th
http://ggnycnov18.eventbrite.com

posted in Ghetto Gourmet - 0 replies

have you seen the new Ghet website?

2006-09-19T01:02:30Z

check it:
http://www.theghet.com/website/

things are still happening, people. keep yourself posted.

posted in Ghetto Gourmet - 0 replies

Best Renegade Band of Roaving Gourmands

2006-07-26T23:10:47Z

defeating some pretty stiff competition, the Ghetto Gourmet has been honored with an Editor's Choice award for "Best Renegade Band of Roaving Gourmands" in the SFBG's "Best of the Bay" 2006 Food Section:

http://www.sfbg.com/2006bob/food.php#Renegade

Eating with Jeremy Townsend and his merry band of gourmands is a true adventure. Their renegade roving supper club, Ghetto Gourmet, enthusiastically explores some lesser-known haunts of the Bay dining scene. Here's how it started: Jeremy's brother was getting a little bored chefing it up at Mecca. He wanted to whip up some plates of his own and, with Jeremy's help, enlisted a bunch of friends to split the cost of ingredients for a long night of feasting at their pad in the East Bay. Everyone had such a grand time it became a regular institution, with a first-come, first-serve open invite to friends, friends of friends, moms, coworkers, and third cousins of friends of friends. "Pretty soon I had a room full of people I didn't know," Jeremy says two years later. With no prior experience in restaurants except eating at them, he says, "there's no restaurant experience like this at all." Integrating his past work in theater, Jeremy has helped the meals become like prix fixe performance art, with guest chefs and surprise venues throughout the Bay Area. A successful recent Ghetto Gourmet trip to Los Angeles has Jeremy thinking about going on permanent tour, but for now the roving supper club happily continues to plunder the Bay's gustatory riches.

http://www.ghetto-gourmet.com
~~~~

Congratulations Jeremy!!

posted in Ghetto Gourmet - 0 replies

ghetto gourmet goes to L.A.

2006-06-01T21:32:59Z

Look out LA! The Ghetto Gourmet is coming to town with plans to blow your culinary and community socks right off. All dinners start at 8pm with four course menus for $40 per person + BYOB. Seating is limited and prepaid reservations are necessary. The exact address and any further details will be provided in the reservation confirmation.

We're going to kick it off on Thursday, June 22nd and Friday, June 23rd. We'll be hosted by some dear friends in Silverlake with Chef Cynthia Washburn cooking it up and some seriously funky musicians laying it down grand piano-style.

Thursday, June 22nd
http://622silverlake.mollyguard.com

Friday, June 23rd
http://623silverlake.mollyguard.com

------------------------------------------------

Sunday, June 25th, we're doing it al fresca style in the San Fernando Valley. We've got some new friends with a great big backyard, a couple of special guests, and Chef Cynthia Washburn at the helm in the kitchen.

Sunday, June 25th
http://625sanfernando.mollyguard.com

------------------------------------------------

And Tuesday, June 27th, we'll be in Mid-Wilshire doing it up with photos and fire. We'll be introducing a great new Chef, the celebrated Anita Bergman as well as some projected photography and a little mid-dinner fire spinning. This house is super fresh, so it's gonna be way fun.

Tuesday, June 27th
http://627wilshire.mollyguard.com

Thanks for listening.
Eat right, have fun and be well.
Jer at the GhettoGourmet

posted in Ghetto Gourmet - 0 replies

Kitchen on Fire photos from 4/18

2006-04-21T00:02:18Z

check out all the beautiful photos from the recent "Kitchen on Fire" event:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/ghettogourmet/sets/72057594111601133/

"On Tuesday April 18th, the Ghetto Gourmet is proud to help warm up the
house at the new Kitchen on Fire culinary studio above the Epicurious
Garden right next to chez panisse in Berkeley. This will be an intimate
dinner party prepared live by MikeC., famed cooking instructor, and Olivier
Said, cookbook author and Cesar partner.

Kitchen on fire is their new project: an amazing kitchen facility geared
towards classes and demonstrations, creative cooking events and culinary
television. "

http://www.kitchenonfire.com

posted in Ghetto Gourmet - 0 replies

want to go? get yer ass on the email list

2006-04-20T23:07:27Z

ok, so the reason i haven't been posting many events on here is that by the time i get the details and get around to it and whatnot, the gigs are SOLD OUT.

i kid you not.

the Ghetto Gourmet is doing all kinds of amazing wonderful stuff all over the place and due to all the recent godo press, Jeremy's a busy, busy man. many are private events (like the pirate wedding!), but there are still many dinners open for general particiation by the public via reservations.

SO - if you've been eyeing the GG for a while, reading about it in the press, hearing about it on NPR, and think you want to go, my suggestion is that you make sure you're on the email distribution list to get the first crack at a reservation. by the time you read about it here on Tribe, it'll be too late.

go here: http://www.ghetto-gourmet.com to sign up, eh?

posted in Ghetto Gourmet - 0 replies

happenings. they are.

2006-03-23T21:23:20Z

sorry for the lack of posting, fans, but big things have been afoot with the Ghetto Gourmet. Jeremy and the Ghet have been all over the bay area media, and lots of fun things have been happening.

perhaps you weren't aware you can hire the Ghetto Gourmet for your private events? like pirate weddings and moonlight picnics? it's not just dinner, kids, it's an EXPERIENCE.

ok, so anyway, here's the latest scoop:

SAVE THE DATES:

MONDAY MARCH 27th: Eccolo Chefs Compete for your taste buds!

Here’s the details for our eccolo iron chef-style dinner this Monday, March 27th.

We’ll be hosted by our friends at 614 Alabama St. (@18th) Guests arrive at 8pm. If you’d like to come and help, that would be great. Come anytime, I’m getting there at 4pm.

We have an amazing line-up of talent and surprises, including stilt-walking hors d’oeuvres, comedian louis katz, dj izzy and a secret ingredient. It’s too cool. And I think we’re getting it on film. See you Monday night.

MONDAY APRIL 10TH - GG POTLUCK!

Also, you’re cordially invited to the first ghetto gourmet open, a brainstorming potluck dinner, Monday april 10th at THE GHET house. 343 alcatraz avenue, 8pm. An email with further info will follow, but in the meantime, Jeremy would love to hear your ideas about the ghetto gourmet and where you think it could go: jeremy@townsendevents.com

i'll post info about reservations for the 24th when i find it. in the meantime, email jeremy@townsendevents.com if you want to volunteer or talk to him. he's really smart.

AND!!!
check out the photos of the new truck in the gallery, and also the Press Release about the Guerilla Gourmet - it's the Ghet On the Road, with more than a pinch of Kerouac.

posted in Ghetto Gourmet - 1 reply

GG in the 1/22 Chronicle:

2006-01-23T17:33:59Z

did you SEE who made the front page of the Chronicle yesterday? none other than our own ghetto gourmet:
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2006/01/22/MNGOOGRA241.DTL

"Ghetto Gourmet isn't listed in the phone book. Nor will you find it by cruising Rockridge's restaurant row on College Avenue in Oakland. Ghetto Gourmet has no sign. It has no wine list. It doesn't even have chairs.

What this unlicensed, underground restaurant does have is a pit bull named Shinobi, a cramped kitchen with appliances in various states of disrepair and a gregarious host named Jeremy Townsend who, in his untucked shirt and jeans, will dance with his guests, jam on his harmonica and invite patrons for a post-dessert nightcap at a nearby bar."

so much for underground, huh jeremy? locals: if you haven't been yet: go before they get busted.

posted in Ghetto Gourmet - 0 replies

Five Course Chocolate Valentine’s Day Dinner

2006-01-18T19:33:19Z

from Jer@theGhet:

This past weekend Chef Kenny Lowe, the thumbprint cellars team and I put together an amazing spread for the Winter Wineland event in Sonoma - http://www.wineroad.com/events/winterwineland.asp. Chocolate was our theme, and people were lined up to taste our White Chocolate Vinaigrette with Strawberries and Greens and our Spicy Ecuadorian Mole with a Cheddar Waffle and Pomegranates.

So… we decided to do a Chocolate Valentine’s Day Dinner. Chocolate in every course, including variations on the above and some creative home-made hand-dipped truffles like watermelon-cilantro, coffee or bittersweet ancho chili.

Entertainment for the evening will include an intimate classical guitar performance, a reading of lascivious poetry and of course we’ve got a few tricks up our sleeves.

For our Five Course Chocolate Valentine’s Day Dinner on Tuesday, January 14th at 7pm, it’s $100 a couple + byob.
Pay in advance online
http://ggchocolatevday.mollyguard.com
or email us for reservations.
mailto:reservations@ghetto-gourmet.com

At 6pm, you can join us for a session with Scott Lindstrom-Dake, the winemaker at http://www.thumbprint.com/. He’s going to bring in a few gallons of wine and talk us through the making our own blends to enjoy with dinner.

Veggie options are always available. Just let us know, ahead of time.

posted in Ghetto Gourmet - 1 reply

1:23: cauliflower truffle soup, fennel salad, seared scallops and lemon risotto!

2006-01-06T17:24:28Z

from jkt@ghetto-gourmet.com:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hey Yall-
Happy Oh!6 to everyone.
I hope it’s a good year for all of us.
It is, in fact, my Thirtieth year, and we’ll be large celebrating on or near my birthday, 6/6/6. It’ll be devilish.

But before then, we have some business.
Monday, January 23rd, Chef Cynthia is cooking up a Cauliflower and White Truffle Soup, followed by Fennel Salad with Blood Oranges and Pecorino, and Seared Scallops with Pears and Meyer Lemon Risotto, with a Sorbet Trio for dessert.

We’re looking forward to having an exclusive fiddle performance and who knows what else.

Maybe you’ll be there.
It’s $30 per person + BYOB.
You can pay in advance here
http://gg123.mollyguard.com
Or email us for reservations at.
mailto:reservations@ghetto-gourmet.com

Veggie options are always available and groups are welcome.
As always, thanks so much for your support and encouragement.
See you in Oh!6-
Jer at the ghet.

P.S. In addition to being mentioned in the new San Francisco guide book- San Francisco: The Unknown City, my friend Rahsaan Cruz and I put together a book with his photos and my poetry. It’s called Feels like I’m forgetting something, and we printed and bound it ourselves. It’s available at Cody’s Books.

posted in Ghetto Gourmet - 0 replies

the menu for 12/19?

2005-12-19T04:29:37Z

hey all!

Can't wait to taste the plates! Woo haa! school is on break!

So does anyone know what Cynthia is cooking up?

posted in Ghetto Gourmet - 3 replies

GG in new book about SF

2005-12-16T22:52:32Z

...the book is "San Francisco: The Unknown City" and talks about all kinds of lesser-known things to do, eat, feel, hear, and see.

you can see a scan of the Ghetto Gourmet listing here:
http://www.jayober.com/images/misc/SF_TheUnknownCity_Pg101_md.jpg

posted in Ghetto Gourmet - 0 replies

rate the Gourmet

2005-12-02T22:57:10Z

so i hear a lot of Tribe folks are making their way to Jeremy's house on Mondays.

excellent.

if you've been recently, how about taking a sec to rate the GG under Tribe Recommendations?

http://sanfrancisco.tribe.net/recommendation/Ghetto-Gourmet/rockridge-claremon/78aada1e-55ab-4e52-a1ac-e3b387c7c3be?_click_path=Application%5Btribe%5D.ReviewableItem%5B78aada1e-55ab-4e52-a1ac-e3b387c7c3be%5D&nextpage=%24nextPageTarget

thanks!

posted in Ghetto Gourmet - 0 replies

december events!

2005-12-01T18:11:20Z

from jeremy@ the ghetto gourmet:

~~~~~~

Hello Folks-

Still in the Turkey Haze!?!

Hope everyone’s thanksgiving holiday went well. Gotta send out large thanks to all of you who joined us on Monday, November 21st. It was the largest group we’ve ever had in the house and it was a real pleasure.

We’ve got at least two dates lined up for December, and we’re looking forward to them.

Monday, December 5th we’re putting together a new menu that’ll look something like this:

•Graham cracker calamari with grapefruit pomegranate gastrique
•Endive salad with grapefruit, avocado, pomegranate and lemon tarragon dressing
•Brown butter chicken breast with fazzoletti and Caprese salsa
•Nutspresso cannoli with vanilla bean whipped cream

That’s this Monday, December 5th at 8pm in Rockridge, $30 + BYOB.

You can pay in advance online here
http://gg125.mollyguard.com

Or email us for reservations and details.
mailto:reservations@ghetto-gourmet.com

Then, Monday, December 19th Chef Cynthia returns. The menu is still in development, but it’s bound to be yummy.

That’s Monday, December 19th at 8pm in Rockridge, $30 + BYOB.

If you’d like to join us, you can pay in advance online here
http://gg1219.mollyguard.com
Or email us for reservations and details.
mailto:reservations@ghetto-gourmet.com

Veggie options are always available and groups are welcome.

Come join us, have a great holiday season, eat right, have fun and be well.

Thanks for all your support.
Jer at the ghet.

posted in Ghetto Gourmet - 0 replies

11/21: smoked duck, rack of lamb and pumpkin pot de creme

2005-11-17T23:52:32Z

from jeremy@theGhet:

Hello Folks-

The Ghetto Gourmet is coming out of hiding this week for a celebration of thanks to all you good people that love eating great food, making new friends and doing something groovy on a Monday night.

Chef Cynthia Washburn is cooking up Smoked Duck & Truffled Chevre on Rosemary Shortbread with Red Onion Marmalade. Then a Warm Spinach Salad with Roasted Fuyu Persimmons, Hazelnuts & Endive, Rack of Lamb with Pomegranate Mint Sauce and Stuffing, with a Pumpkin Pot de Crème. We will have something special for you vegetarians, have no fear.

We’re also featuring some downhome Amercian music from the Blue Roots and maybe a drop-in set from San Francisco’s own wayward comic, Mr Louis Katz.

We expect a full house, so please make your reservations soon.
It’s this Monday, November 21st at 8pm in Rockridge.
$30 per person + BYOB.

Pay in advance online at
http://gg1121.mollyguard.com
Or send us an email at
reservations@ghetto-gourmet.com
for further info and confirmation.

Enjoy these beautiful days.
And if we don’t see you, have a great holiday.
Thanks-
Your Ghet

posted in Ghetto Gourmet - 0 replies

10/24: Calasparagus, escabiche pork and blueberry pie

2005-10-20T21:09:45Z

Hey Yall-
We’re back after a break. Our first Curious Fork event went great.
New friends, excellent food and blues out on the farm.
There some pics here http://www.curiousfork.com/gallery

Due to some permit issues, we’re having to reschedule the Bella Caves event. We’ll keep you posted.

This Monday, October 24th 8pm we’re doing a butter lettuce salad with goat cheese pillows and champagne vinaigrette followed by my signature Calasparagus – calamari wrapped asparagus in tempura. The entrée will be an escabiche pork tenderloin with sweet potato mash and a blueberry pie for dessert. Veggies are welcome, just let us know in advance.

It’s $25 per person + BYOB.

Tickets are available online at
http://gg1024.mollyguard.com

Or rsvp here and pay at the door:
http://www.ghetto-gourmet.com

See you soon.
Eat right, be well, have fun.
Jer at the ghet.

posted in Ghetto Gourmet - 0 replies

9/19: Smoked Mussel & Havarti Quesadillas + Pan Seared Duck Breast

2005-09-16T18:30:21Z

This Monday September 19th, we've got:

- Smoked Mussel & Havarti Quesadillas with Heirloom Tomato Confit

- Roasted Beet & Baby Spinach Salad with Candied Pecans in an Orange-Sherry Vinaigrette

- Pan Seared Duck Breast with Lavender-Fig Jus over Wild Rice Pilaf

- Dessert Plate of Assorted Cheeses with Fresh Berries & Honey

(Vegetarian options: caramelized onions in place of the mussels, and oven-roasted acorn squash in place of the duck.)

Featuring the lovely and talented Brownbums with some roots blues music and a few new originals.

That's this Monday September 19th 8pm in Rockridge, BYOB.

It's $25 per person in advance at

http://sept19.mollyguard.com

Or $30 per person at the door at

http://www.ghetto-gourmet.com

posted in Ghetto Gourmet - 0 replies

Vegan Gourmet 8/15 !

2005-09-10T00:12:33Z

Since someone asked ... the next vegan gourmet is on August 15th.

We’re welcoming back Vegan Chef Philip Gelb with a new menu celebrating Summer:

Gazpacho with Heirloom Tomatoes, Harvest Corn, and Zucchini

Roasted Corn Salad with Lime Jalapenos, Cilantro and Bruschetta

Corn-pistachio Crusted Tempeh with Mushroom Gravy, Gingered Sweet Potatoes, Purple Cabbage and Kale

Blueberry Cobbler

August 15th, 8pm, $30 per person, BYOB

Pay online
http://august15.mollyguard.com

Or reserve here

http://www.ghetto-gourmet.com

i'm excited!

posted in Ghetto Gourmet - 4 replies

8/29: Heirloom Bisque; Salmon en Croute ; Fried Butterscotch Ice Cream

2005-08-29T20:01:13Z

W. Kamau Bell hosts on Monday August 29th so that Chef Kenny Lowe and Jeremy Townsend can put together this great seasonal menu:

Bruschetta with Pluot Cilantro Salsa and Bacon-wrapped Little Gem Lettuce

Heirloom Tomato Bisque and Fromage Fritte

Salmon en Croute with Firehouse Gratin and Green Beans

Original Butterscotch Fried Ice Cream

Monday August 29th, 8pm, $30 per person+BYOB

Pay in advance
http://august29.mollyguard.com
Or reserve at
http://www.ghetto-gourmet.com

posted in Ghetto Gourmet - 1 reply

8/22: goat cheese & pecan ravioli + sauteed halibut

2005-08-22T17:34:03Z

Chef Cynthia Washburn is preparing an awesome menu this Monday August 22nd. Check it out:

Herb-Crusted Carpaccio of Seared Beef and Summer Squash with Baby Greens in Olive Oil & Lemon Vinaigrette

Goat Cheese & Pecan Ravioli in Orange Butter

Sauteed Halibut in a sauce of Fresh Tomato, Caper Olives and Currants

Espresso Dark Chocolate Mousse with Anise Biscotti and Limoncello Crème

Monday August 22nd, 8pm, $30 per person+BYOB.

Pay in advance
http://august22.mollyguard.com
Or reserve at
http://www.ghetto-gourmet.com

posted in Ghetto Gourmet - 0 replies

8/1: Squash Blossoms, BBQ tuna, Grits&Collards

2005-07-29T16:33:42Z

This Monday, August 1st, Chef Kenny Lowe‚s preparing Fried Squash Blossoms and Molasses Barbecue Tuna with Grits and Collards.

August 1st, 8pm, $30 per person, BYOB

Pay online
http://august1.mollyguard.com

Or reserve here
http://www.ghetto-gourmet.com

posted in Ghetto Gourmet - 0 replies

5/27 - Oh Miso Hungry - veg/vegan japanese food

2005-07-29T16:24:38Z

Aloha Gourmettes-

We're all booked up for a great new menu on Monday May 23rd. Thanks to everyone that RSVP‚d. We had to turn a few people away, so we decided to do something a little special.

On Friday May 27th, The Ghetto Gourmet is proud to present Guest Chef Philip Gelb at the house preparing a deliciously unique, Japanese-inspired 5 course vegetarian/vegan menu for $30 per person, BYO Sake!
The menu will open with a sweet potato miso soup followed by a cucumber wakame salad, then soba noodles with a spicy peanut sauce. The entrée will be marinated teriyaki tofu steaks with greens and sesame dressing, and sorbet with berries for dessert.
It‚s sure to be a special culinary experience complimented with live music and some fun new friends. You can make your reservation at

http://japaneseghetmay.mollyguard.com

Philip Gelb is a self-taught private chef specializing in veggie and vegan cuisine. He is also highly respected in the international music community as a performer and instructor of the shakuhachi, an ancient Japanese bamboo flute. You can learn more about Philip at www.philipgelb.com

Thanks to everyone for your support.
Stay tuned for more.

http://www.ghetto-gourmet.com

posted in Ghetto Gourmet - 3 replies

Mon:7/25:Stuffed Squash, Molasses BBQ Tuna, Tobacco-Fried Onions

2005-07-22T18:16:39Z

Monday, July 25th, Chef Kenny Lowe shows off his Southern roots with an exciting new menu:

Canteloupe Soup with Beet Creme Fraiche

Stuffed Squash Blossoms with Goat Cheese and Cherry Tomato Salsa

Cruda over Greens

Molasses Barbecue Tuna over Grits with Collards and Tobacco-Fried Onions

White Chocolate Bread Pudding with Myers Rum Sauce

**All Ghetto Gourmet Meals Can Be Made Vegetarian** - Just Ask!!

YUM!

$30 per person + BYOB.

Pay in advance at
http://mondayjuly25.mollyguard.com

Or reserve at
http://www.ghetto-gourmet.com

posted in Ghetto Gourmet - 0 replies

7/24 Traditional Northeastern Brazilian cuisine Sunday Supper

2005-07-07T00:14:22Z

On July 24th, our first Sunday Supper with Strings will feature Chef Vanessa Silva‚s variations on Traditional Northeastern Brazilian cuisine:

Crab Brandade
Watercress Salad
Shrimp Stew with Crispy Okra
Tart Papaya Mousse.

We‚ll be accompanied by a great line up of musicians including some GG favorites and traditional Brazilian players, as well as a photography exhibit by Rahsaan Cruz.

This is an early evening supper on the back porch with guests arriving at 5pm.

It‚s $40 per person + BYOB, Sunday, July 24th.

Pay in advance at
http://july24th.mollyguard.com

Or reserve at
http://www.ghetto-gourmet.com

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Join the Tribe!! http://ghettogourmet.tribe.net

posted in Ghetto Gourmet - 0 replies

July 11th: Peach Soup + Grilled Pork Tenderloin + Figs

2005-07-06T23:56:01Z

This Monday, July 11th, Chef Cynthia Washburn starts us off with a Cheesy Bruschetta and Savory Peach Soup Shooter,

followed by an Arugula salad with Smoked Trout and Hazelnut Vinaigrette.

Grilled Pork Tenderloin with fresh Corn Polenta and Tomato Relish for the entrée;

and for dessert, Figs with homemade Rosemary Ice Cream and Port Sauce.

Yummers.

We‚ve also got a special guest performer lined up; you‚ll have to join us to find out who. Oooh. It‚s Monday, July 11th, $30 per person + BYOB.

Yea!

You can pay in advance
http://july11.mollyguard.com

Or reserve at
http://www.ghetto-gourmet.com

posted in Ghetto Gourmet - 0 replies

Mon 6/27: Eggplant Caviar + Leg of Lamb with Pomegranate Date Chutney

2005-06-24T18:07:49Z

Come join us this Monday, June 27th as Chef Kenny Lowe from Thumbprint Cellars (http://www.thumbprintcellars.com) prepares this great summery menu-

A pair of appetizers:
Gorgonzola Walnut Rounds with Rosemary
and Cornets with Eggplant Caviar and Tomato Confit

Arugula salad with Green Apples, Gorgonzola, Toasted Walnuts and Creamy Poppyseed Dressing

Leg of Lamb with Pomegranate Date Chutney, Roasted Garlic Potato Cake and Wilted Mache

And for dessert:
Ancho Chili Chocolate Cake

By special request, we‚ll be featuring Quinn Deveaux of the Brownbums (http://www.brownbums.com) with a new set of acoustic blues music.

If you can make it, we‚d love to see you.
It‚s $25 per person + BYOB, Monday, June 27th, 8pm in Rockridge.

Pay online http://june27.mollyguard.com

Or reserve http://www.ghetto-gourmet.com

posted in Ghetto Gourmet - 0 replies

Authentic Mestizo Cuisine, monday 6/13

2005-06-06T17:41:51Z

Miguel Aguilar-Zapata is an herbalist, educator, and traditional chef specializing in authentic mestizo cuisine. He'll be preparing

orange soup with carrots and honey

huitlacoche quesadillas

grilled nopales with chicken and green rice,

signature chocolate tamales for dessert

Miguel will talk about the history of this indigenous Mexican cuisine and explain the origin and healing qualities of each dish.

That‚s on Monday June 13th, 8pm in Rockridge, $25 + byob.

reserve online and pay ahead here:
http://mondayjune13.mollyguard.com

or visit http://www.ghetto-gourmet.com for more info

posted in Ghetto Gourmet - 2 replies

Asian Tapas: Monday 6/6

2005-06-03T17:34:17Z

Monday June 6th is a whole new thing.

Chef Cynthia Washburn prepares four courses of paired Asian tapas.

Something like:

Mint spring rolls and crab fritters

Carrot-ginger shiso taco with sweet & spicy coconut soup

Ghetto-style pad thai and edamame-shitake wonton crisps

Chicken satay and peanut sauce with red curry sweet potato fries

How about a green tea ice cream spring roll for dessert?

And a special guest appearance by the incredulous Fred Boette on classical guitar.

That's Monday June 6th, 8pm in Rockridge, $25 + byob.

reserve and pay ahead here:
http://mondayjune6.mollyguard.com

or contact/get more info here:
http://www.ghetto-gourmet.com

posted in Ghetto Gourmet - 0 replies

Greek Ghet - 5/30 - Memorial Day Greekness!

2005-05-28T00:18:41Z

Last Minute...

We've got a few folks interested in having dinner this Monday, May 30th, Memorial Day, and, with a little help from you all, we can fill the house and make it happen.

Chef Cynthia Washburn was a huge hit last week and she‚s all set to do a Mediterranean menu.

So, if you‚re looking for something fun and delicious to do, come join us for grilled lamb with orzo, a ghetto greek salad, and bring some ouzo with you. It's $25 per person + BYOB.

We get started around 8pm and you can pay in advance here:
http://ghetgoesgreek.mollyguard.com

Or reserve here:
http://www.ghetto-gourmet.com

Eat right.
Be well.
Have fun.

Thanks.
the ghet.

posted in Ghetto Gourmet - 0 replies

in the 5/11/05 East Bay Express!

2005-05-16T19:25:16Z

http://www.eastbayexpress.com/issues/2005-05-11/food.html

Savory Secrets

If you can find them, local underground eateries offer homey, social dining, minus the feed-and-flee restaurant vibe.

BY JONATHAN KAUFFMAN
jonathan.kauffman@eastbayexpress.com

Between courses, a gregarious pit bull named Shinobi showed off his jumping skills for a dozen guests sitting on floor cushions swigging our own wine. Next, the Brownbum Blues played old Robert Johnson tunes. Then a woman in a POW! T-shirt passed out glasses of crab-avocado cocktail, a few poached shrimp hanging from the rim.

We were breaking the law. And it sure tasted good.

Somewhere between Richmond and Hayward are two underground restaurants run by un-restaurateurs in their twenties. A cross between a house party and a supper club, these events have attracted a following from both sides of the bay. Both offer a comfortable ambience, cheap prices, and solid food. Just so long as the Man doesn't come around.

My friend Bob made a reservation for us at what I'll call the Underground Restaurant via its Web site, the address of which I'm not going to reveal. Owners Jeremy and Joe -- also pseudonyms -- started cooking dinners for a mix of friends and strangers a year and a half ago. Joe, now 23, had quit his job cooking at a tony supper club in San Francisco, and Jeremy, 28, a poet and copy editor, charged himself with attracting clients the good old' American way -- bluffing. "I got on Craigslist and made it sound like we've been doing this forever," he says. He began posting an enigmatic pitch in the personals section, beckoning singles looking for a novel way to score dates.

Jeremy and Joe's dinners for ten soon bloomed into what Jeremy calls a "nomadic restaurant." Their events have ranged from ambient-DJ'd pajama parties in San Francisco to art-and-music-filled supper clubs in a local warehouse. For a while they moved into the kitchens of a legal venue, where their following grew. But the space changed owners, and the brothers went back to throwing parties in their house.

Walking up to the Underground Restaurant on a rainy Monday evening, Bob -- name changed to protect me -- and I wove through a crowd of underground diners smoking cigarettes on the porch. Inside, a table in the wood-paneled dining room had been set for eight, with another eight to ten places arranged around coffee tables in the living room. Gregarious Jeremy played host, welcoming folks and making introductions. Back in the kitchen, his wild-haired younger brother fried chicken.

After a half hour of stilted party talk with the other guests, Bob and I slid to our respective cushions as a pair of servers began to ferry food from the kitchen. Joe's food was simple, clever, and good.

The fried drumsticks I spotted in the kitchen emerged, juicy and crackle-skinned, alongside a mixed-greens salad tossed in a tangy buttermilk dressing and corralled by a thin strip of cucumber. The shrimp on the shrimp cocktail, course number two, were a mite overcooked, but when we scooped them through the creamy crab, avocado, and mayonnaise dip it didn't seem to matter much. The main course, lamb chop set on a chile-dusted polenta cake, itself balanced on poached giant asparagus, was beautifully cooked and enriched by a few stripes of a veal-stock reduction sauce. And everyone gasped when the "Ghetdonuts" materialized -- cubes of fried cake studded with raspberries. After all, who doesn't love fried cake?

As the meal progressed, the discrete groups of friends began to blend, guests looking farther and farther down the table to talk to strangers. Eventually, Jeremy passed out little envelopes, into which we slipped $25 a person plus tip -- for four courses, mind you. At that point, guests were lolling around the floor picking at a cheese and fruit plate and sharing the last of their wine. Soon after, the hosts and most of the guests finished off the night by trooping through the rain to a bar around the corner.

Why exactly are underground restaurants illegal? After all, some food businesses operate outside of commercial kitchens. Caterers often cook their meals in their clients' kitchens, and people pay cooking teachers to come into their homes to help them and their friends make a meal.

Ron Browder, chief of environmental protection at the Alameda County Environmental Health Department, says that underground restaurants are different from the above businesses because technically the owners are selling food to the public, not performing a service in the buyer's home. And they're doing it without health permits, business licenses, and licenses to sell alcohol. "In essence, they're evading taxes and putting the public at risk," he says. "It's important that the public understands that it's bad enough that things happen in regulated restaurants. If we don't have any knowledge of the unregulated restaurants, we can't protect the public."

According to Browder, the health department doesn't necessarily go out looking for underground restaurants -- not that it has the budget for that -- but it investigates any reports it receives, shutting down illegal businesses and asking the operators to reapply for the appropriate permits. Browder couldn't quote any figures regarding how many illegal restaurants the department has shut down. He did ask me -- a number of times -- for the addresses of the underground restaurants I mentioned oh-so-vaguely. Sorry, I told him. In turn, he asked me to mention in this article that he'd requested the addresses but that I'd refused to reveal them.

Although no roving health inspectors are knocking on her door, Elizabeth -- pseudonymous proprietor of a place I'll call Hush Hush -- makes her restaurant harder to access than a speakeasy. It took me months from the time I first heard of its existence to secure an invite. Elizabeth, in fact, didn't want her restaurant mentioned. I told her the same thing I told the health department guy.

Once a month, Elizabeth sends out an e-mail announcing the date of Hush Hush's next dinner. It lists a phone number where you can leave a message, and admonishes recipients, "As always, quietly invite those dear." She is booked up within days. If she doesn't know who you are, she asks who told you about her before she'll give out the address. (I had a friend make the call.)

Come the date of the event, if you can't find the door, just follow any 25-year-old you spot on the block. Obeying some pheremonal homing signal, they stream toward an unmarked gate, then file up a narrow flight of stairs to what looks like an impromptu art gallery. There's an ancient refrigerator in one of its two big, open rooms. Before and after dinner, a couple sold beers and bottles of wine from the fridge, and the diners-to-be (genus: scenesters; species: former art students and indie-rock fans) chatted as they circled the space, checking out the paintings on the walls, and lined up to pay a guy with a clipboard.

At some point the guests heard another subsonic call and begin drifting into the dining room, which was decorated with swagged garlands of plastic flowers and dark velvet curtains. My friends and I followed, claiming a table the size of our party. Unlike at the Underground Restaurant, it's much easier to stick to your clique at Hush Hush, since the tables seat from two to eight people.

Not long after we sat down, a troupe of young women began threading their way through the room, bringing plates to the tables. Diners could buy drinks from the impromptu bar or fetch their own water and coffee from tureens.

Elizabeth had taped up posters describing her three-course menu, written in Beaux-Arts script. All three courses were vegan: First up was a gingery wonton soup, the tofu-stuffed half-moons of pasta floating in a thin, gingery vegetable broth scattered with chopped chives. With only three people working in a tiny kitchen and forty or so diners to serve, it took a good hour from first plate to last for the waiters to distribute the entrées. The dishes were elaborate in a homespun kind of way: A salad of greens, salted pistachios, and ripe strawberries. A whole-grain pilaf threaded with julienned mint. A sweetly sauced stir-fry of tofu, green beans, and Okinawan yams set on a nest of poofy deep-fried bean threads. And dessert, a watery lemon ice paired with mango-nut butter croustades, was served on top of whimsically decorated stoneware plates hand-thrown by two of Elizabeth's friends. This take-home door prize cost diners an extra $3 -- normally she charges $12 for the entire meal. Then the band started up.

As my friend Alan commented, Hush Hush's food was "as good as the food cooked by one of your friends who's a good cook." In other words, not something we'd be thrilled to pay restaurant prices for, but certainly enjoyable. Again, what made the meal was the down-tempo, friendly mood, so different from any of the restaurants I visit. It lacked -- happily so -- that constant flow of people with their disjointed arcs of beginnings and endings; the pressure to perform that motivates every server, buser, and cook; and those small signals of impatience in the diners, of needs satisfied and needs unmet.

Illegal home-based supper clubs like the Underground Restaurant and Hush Hush create social ecosystems as fragile as their existence. That sense of enjoying someone else's hospitality, more than the adventure of doing something on the down low, was the true source of their charm. As Jeremy summed up, "It's such a great experience to bring people in your house and have them be amazed -- not only that they're having awesome food, but that they're meeting people they wouldn't have met before."

posted in Ghetto Gourmet - 0 replies

Delicious Gourmet Nights - 4/29, 4/30, and 5/2 (Vegan!)

2005-05-03T01:05:02Z

FRIDAY APRIL 29TH: Champagne Blues @ Suite 100

Absolutely everyone's invited to a birthday bash for Madame Lori S. with a champagne reception for our new artist, Catherine Butler.

We'll be serving up a stunning hors d'oeuvres sculpture, blues from the Brownbums, and a few special acts. We'll get started around 8pm and go late at 395 South Van Ness at 15th, buzz suite 100, and bring a bottle of champagne with you.

SATURDAY APRIL 30TH:
We're doing a four course dinner at Suite 100.
Grilled romaine with cherry heirlooms, croutons and Caesar dressing

Asparagus soup with roasted spring onions

Rock game hen with prosciutto wrapped asparagus, red onion mashed taters and game hen demi-glaze

Candy bar spring rolls with ice cream

Veggie options are available, just let us know.

Get more info or make your reservation online at:
http://ggsuite100.mollyguard.com

MONDAY MAY 2ND:
We're excited to do a vegan night for all our veggie friends, featuring the lovely Maria Magliano singing and strumming with us at our house in Rockridge.

rilled romaine with cherry heirlooms, croutons and vegan Caesar dressing

Butternut squash soup, spring onions, and basil puree

Chicken friend tofu with pickled onion rings, mashers, grilled asparagus and
vegan sausage gravy

Vegan chocolate spring rolls and soy milk ice cream

Make a reservation or get more info online at:
http://veganghet.mollyguard.com

Visit: http://www.ghetto-gourmet.com or email jkt@ghetto-gourmet.com for more info or to ask questions.

you can also join the tribe: ghettogourmet.tribe.net

posted in Ghetto Gourmet - 2 replies

ceviche tostada and curried ahi - monday, 4.25

2005-04-22T23:12:54Z

The Ghetto Gourmet began as an original underground dining experience in a basement apartment in Oakland, California. They now serve dinner every Monday night at their home in Rockridge, alongside local artists and musicians, poetry and stupid pet tricks.

And this Monday, April 25th, the menu is:

Ceviche tostada with avocado papaya salsa and micro greens

Seared scallops with mizuna salad and ramesco

Green curried ahi with forbidden black rice and sping veggies

Blueberry fry pies with bourbon whipped cream

vegetarian substitutions always available, just let us know in advance.

$25 per person, BYOB
You can pay in advance at
ggapril25.mollyguard.com

www.ghetto-gourmet.com or email jkt@ghetto-gourmet.com for more info or to ask questions.

posted in Ghetto Gourmet - 0 replies

tonight = gumbolicious

2005-04-18T21:12:30Z

This Monday (4/18), the Ghetto Gourmet is putting together an all new menu
featuring an original chopped salad with heirloom tomatoes, bacon, olives,
breakfast radishes, asiago cheese and creamy vinagrette, followed by a
seafood gumbo with roasted bell pepper rice and cilantro creme fraiche. The
entree will be rock game hen with saffron grits, wild mushrooms, and fava
beans, with a new dessert, pink lady apple spring roll with ice cream.

We'll be treated to a mid-dinner performance by Quinn Deveaux, the singer
and slide guitar player from the acclaimed East Bay blues trio, the Brownbums.

We're looking forward to seeing some new faces and hope you all can come
out and join us.

$25.

You can now pay in advance (and we'd love you to do that) go to
http://april18gg.mollyguard.com

otherwise, please go to http://www.ghetto-gourmet.com to make a reservation and pay at the door.

posted in Ghetto Gourmet - 0 replies

latin menu tonight with jazz guitarist jon monihan

2005-03-28T18:32:50Z

hey yall, we've got just a few spots open for tonight.
we'd love to fill them up.

get in touch if you're interested....

jeremy
510.830.9035

posted in Ghetto Gourmet - 0 replies

Midnight Breakfast Pajama Party 3/26

2005-03-24T18:11:50Z

Midnight Breakfast Pajama Party
Saturday, March 26th
Music starts at 9pm,
Hors d’oeuvres at 10pm
Ghetto Benedict at 12am
25 bucks

We’ll have some dreamy ambient live electronica along with video projections on huge white walls and a naughty bedtime story to boot. This space is great with super tall ceilings, staircases, banisters and great views. The menu will include chorizo pigs in a blanket, mixed berry silver dollar pancakes, and the infamous jalapeno cheddar biscuits & gravy. Veggie versions will be available. You’ll need some sleepwear, your blanky and your favorite plush sleeping partner. You’ll also need to RSVP @ http://www.ghetto-gourmet.com/cal/day.cfm?&year=2005&month=3&day=26
Oh yeah... this is not a sleepover, we'll be done around 2am.

posted in Ghetto Gourmet - 0 replies

FYI: dinner and delights every Monday night in Rockridge

2005-03-21T18:55:22Z

hey people - if you're just stopping by or are new here, this is a Public Service Announcement that the Ghetto Gourmet traditionally serves up homestyle eats and entertainment at their humble and ever-so-comfortable brown shingle every monday evening @ college & alcatraz in oakland. the food is always good, the company is priceless. to reserve a spot for your self and/or your crew on any given Monday, please visit http://www.ghetto-gourmet.com and make a reservation.

and hey - if you've been, how about some feedback?

love.

posted in Ghetto Gourmet - 0 replies

the ball rolling

2005-03-03T21:44:21Z

now that we've got jeremy plugged into Tribe, let's make some USE out of this thing! J + J no longer have "real" jobs and need all the gigs they can get. ;) i've been promoting GG to everyone i know (self appointed PR rep - perhaps more than some would like) since i was first fortunate enough to run into these rockstars only a month or so ago. i dig it. everyone does. let's talk about food and get some groupies. spread the love, everyone.

posted in Ghetto Gourmet - 0 replies