Gas Station Restaurants and Popups

The Washington Post recently published an article by Astrid Riecken about the rise in quality dining establishments popping up at gas stations on the East Coast. The reasons are that the flow of people is constant, they are usually hungry, and the venue is pretty cheap to lease.

One blogger has taken this as a new hobby:

Al Hebert, a medical journalist who blogs at GasStationGourmet.com about his eating adventures, once ate Cornish hen prepared by a classically trained chef in a Chevron station. “The average person just fills up their tank, pays with a credit card and drives off,” Hebert said. “But if you just walk a few feet from the pump to the store, you might discover one of the best eating experiences of your life.”

Here's a video about a food truck that not only is a popup at one gas station, but is planning on being a permanent fixture there and at gas stations across the region.

Rustic Bakery Popup Wine Bar

Gourmet appetizers from Rustic Bakery - Photo by TasteTV

Rustic Bakery in Larkspur, California has a tasty pop-up wine bar every Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and it is quite the deal. Three Gourmet appetizers combined with a glass of locally produced wine, for only $14.

Situated in the Marin Country Mart complex 15 minutes outside of San Francisco, the selection of appetizers alone is worth the experience. 

They range from tarts and cakes to prosciutto sliders, duck and fig tapas, and ceviche shooters. 

A recent wine pairing include 2011 and 2010 Pinot Noir vintages from Orentano of the Russian River Valley.

Orentano Wine mother and daughter winemakers - Photo by TasteTV

Rustic Bakery Dark Chocolat Tart - Photo by TasteTV

Rustic Bakery Appetizers 

Orentano Pinot Noir - photo by TasteTV

The popular Rustic Bakery in Marin Country Mart, Larkspur California - photo by TasteTV

TV Celeb Chef Bobby Bognar Max Oyster Popup Dinner

Celebrity Chef Bobby Bognar (of TV's "Food Tech" fame) and his wife Chef Mayet Cristobel are preparing a multiple course family style meal featuring lots of seafood at Bobby's place, "The Point" in Culver City (LA).

The name of the dinner is the Max Oyster Popup and takes place on July 26, 7mp.

Says Bobby,

"We have 60 seats available, all at 7pm on Saturday, July 26, 2014. Reservations required. $50 per person, exclusive of beverages, tax, and tip. To make reservations, please email the name of the party, number in the party, and a cell phone number to us '@thepointculvercity.com', and we will confirm."

The menu is quite tantalizing:

Bastille Day Weekend Popup Dinners at Rigolo

IN HONOR OF BASTILLE DAY (Monday July 14), TasteTV has partnered with Rigolo Cafe in San Francisco for a special Prix Fixe menu promotion for 2.

This is good for Saturday July 12th through Monday July 14th 
"Bastille Day Weekend Popup Dinners at Rigolo, presented by  TasteTV"

4 Course Meal - $40 for 2 persons

Course 1: Nouvelle Mixed Green Salade, with Champagne Vinaigrette
Course 2: Cup of Soupe du Jour
Course 3: Choice between Entrees - 

• A) Steaks Frites - 
Cast iron grilled hangar steak with pomme frites 

• B) Roasted Chicken - 
All natural 1/2 roasted chicken with truffle mashed potatoes, haricots verts and garlic jus

• C) Seared Salmon - 
Served with crispy polenta cakes, roasted vegetables and beurre blanc

• D) Ratatouille - Classic French vegetable stew with with crispy polenta cakes

Course 4: "Let them Eat Cake" Warm Bread Pudding with Caramel Sauce

PLUS: 1 Complimentary Glass of Wine (white or red) per person

Note: Must be over 21 for glass of wine. No menu substitutions. No refunds for non-use after dates of promotion have expired. 

To reserve this package, go here 

www.TasteTV.com  

Rigolo Cafe
3465 California Street 
(in Laurel Village) 
San Francisco, CA 94118 

Puerto Rican Popup Restaurant in Seattle

Sofrito Rico POP UP

Sunday, Jul 20 5:30pm
Where: Island Soul
4869 Rainier Ave. South, Seattle, WA, 98118



Puerto Rican Popup includes 3 course meal created by Michael William Figueroa, owner and chef of Sofrito Rico.

Aperitivo/Appetizer: Camarones en Escabeche (pickled blanched prawn with red onions, red bell pepper, garlic, olive oil, lime juice, spanish olives, capers.) with Mofongo (fried plantain with pork crackling and garlic.)

A Shot Of Soup

Plato principal/Main Dish: Your choice of a Tamarind Rum Glazed pork chop or an adobe (puerto rican seasoning ;) Salmon and Grilled onions. Served with arroz y habichuelas white rice and red kidney beans.

Dessert: Vanilla, Hennessy Flan

Tickets at Brown Paper Tickets