susancinsf's Profile
Fina Estampa, Merced, Report
When I saw this new place on 16th near O, I was wondering if it could really be possible that Merced might have a Brazilian restaurant...but no, it is Mexican. Apparently it has only been open about a month.
I am always interested in new Mexican places, so we checked it out on a recent Friday night. Bottom line: if judged on food alone, this place could well go to the top of the list of Mexican places in Merced. If they iron out some service issues, it could be a real winner.
We went early, which turned out to be an extremely smart move. We were seated promptly, and our friendly server immediately brought us hot, fresh chips and a fresh salsa. The salsa also tasted fresh and house made (classic salsa fresca) but sadly had no heat at all. Next time I might ask if they have any other options. A glance around revealed that the pleasant if somewhat bare bones dining room was almost half filled, with tables speaking a mixture of English and Spanish.
The menu is interesting, with a few items one doesn't see often on Merced menus, including a whole pescado Veracruzano, and lots of more standards offerings. I noticed that they had albondigas, but it was warm out, so I didn't get sidetracked, though I also saw a delicious looking seafood stew going out to another table. Even the fajitas we saw going out looked great. Hubby and I decided to go with classics for our first visit: I ordered the special of the evening: a chile relleno plate; hubby ordered enchiladas verdes con pollo.
The chile relleno was made with a thin, not overly eggy batter, which is how I like it, and the fresh poblano chile was stuffed with cheese. It was covered with a mild, delicious tomato sauce. Rice and beans on the side were average, and my side of tortillas were fresh. It was basic (I'd like to see how they did with a more complex stuffing), but very well executed. Hubby's enchiladas were filled with a generous portion of well-seasoned chicken; the tomatillo sauce was as good as I've had in a restaurant in years, and best of all, cheese was applied with a judicious hand so the flavors of the chicken, tortilla and sauce dominated. I'd say that based on our experience that sauces are a strength at Fina Estampa.
As we ate, I noticed both that the place was filling up, and that our server, who had been very responsive and efficient thus far, was getting slammed. She was the only server, and clearly the crowds were more than one person could handle. Aggravatingly, the host, an older man who I suspect is the owner, did absolutely nothing to help her other than seat people and refill water glasses, literally! He didn't even bring menus to a table of six that he seated (they eventually walked out without anyone coming back to their table, and I can't say I blame them). He certainly never cleared tables; in fact, he sat the party of six in a back alcove that was poorly lit, rather than clearing a much better table in the front of the room (no wonder they left...) Eventually, the server got so slammed that our service suffered as well: it took at least twenty minutes to get our check when we were done.
We ended our meal by sharing a flan de queso, which had potential, but unfortunately was served too chilled. At some point, our server came by and told us that the cook had made a mistake on my order: the special was supposed to be two chile rellenos, not one, and she discounted our entire bill by ten percent in compensation. Since I had eaten way too much anyway, and the special was only around $8, I would have been happy with one chile, but it was a nice gesture.
Total for our meal with three Negro Modelos, including the discount and tax but before tip, was about $25.
Perhaps a server didn't show, and hopefully Fina Estampa will work out the service issues soon. In the meantime, hubby and I will definitely be back, and plan to try the whole pescado next time. Fina Estampa is open for both lunch and dinner, and while it isn't completely on its game yet, it definitely has lots of potential. I hope to hear more reports!
Fina Estampa
802 W 16th St
Merced, CA 95340
(209) 726-1656
Lela's Restaurant - new in NW Fresno
will do, thanks!
and on a tangentially related topic for others in the Great Central Valley: Raley's has both fresh wild-caught King Salmon and fresh wild-caught halibut on sale today (though 'on sale' is of course still a relativel term, $15.99 for the salmon and $17.99 for the halibut, IIRC). I got some just as the truck came in, so as fresh as we can hope for around here, and perfect for entertaining my pescatarian BIL. In Merced, of course, the only way to get perfect halibut (or salmon) is to cook it yourself....
Lela's Restaurant - new in NW Fresno
perfect halibut in the CV? Heck PB, I live just outside your 50 mile radius (58 or so, to be sort of exact), and I just put it on my 'must try' list! Thanks for the report!
Comal - Berkeley
since many elote stands give the option of dusting the corn with chile powder, I imagine the taste is actually fairly traditional as well.
Comal - Berkeley
Indeed, sometimes meat dishes that aren't made of pork are called carnitas. (though I wouldn't). My daughter tells me that she had halal 'carnitas', made with lamb, at a catered event in LA recently.
Curious if they had a wine list, and if you (or others) checked it out?
Fresh Soursop - What to do with it? [moved from Manhattan]
I had it every day when I was in Singapore, juiced and served over ice. Delicious!
Maui (Lahaina / Hana) & Big Island (Kona / Volcano Village) recs sought
I didn't eat at any of the places you list in Hana, though I had heard very good things about the entertainment (though not the food) at the Paniolo Lounge. You should definitely plan to stock up in Wailuku *before* driving over to Hana: get a cheap cooler if you plan to cook at 'home' there. There really isn't much there in the way of stores other than the Hasegawa General Store, which has a bit of everything (and I mean that almost literally), but at a premium price, and not always in the best of condition or of highest quality. There are a few roadside stands and at least one farm stand with irregular hours. I think the only place to get fresh fish in Hana (to cook, not in a restaurant) would be from fishermen bringing in a catch. Totally worth spending a few days in Hana, but not for the dining out.
I think Waimea is too far for dinner from Kona, although I would travel to Monstera for dinner, which I loved. And I'd recommend you get a kitchen there, as the restaurants in general are not as good as Maui but, unlike Hana, you can get terrific ingredients at fish markets, farmers markets, grocery stores, etc.all over the Big Island. Try to hit the Farmer's Market in Hilo, and the Keahou Farmer's Market is also very good. Here's a listing:
http://www.bigisland-bigisland.com/Big-Island-Farmers-Markets.html
Have fun!
Do you have family/friends who don't appreciate good home cooking?
- used to have the holiday meals at my house and finally gave up. I would end up making all the meals and they would offer to bring cold cuts or {gasp} green bean casserole. YUCK.-
The pros and cons of green bean casserole have been endlessly debated, both on these boards and elsewhere. I'd never serve it myself, but my family doesn't consider it part of the tradition. For families that do, it can be as central as the turkey. If you in any way convey the message that you convey here: that it is yucky to the point of being shocking, I think you need to consider the possibility that your attitude could be a part of what makes your guests uncomfortable...
Are any of the Entertainment Book Coupon Restaurants Chowhound Worthy?
On the Big Island, Avoid Pancho and Lefty's at all costs. On Maui, I did like and would recommend Take Home Maui:
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/744818
California for two weeks - SF, Napa, Yosemite, and Highway One [trip report]
could be that you are right re: the Tenaya lodge....and I've not heard any reports on Narrow Gauge Inn on CH, so will have to try that one of these days (in summer).
regarding the being closed at spring break: keep in mind that (at least as far as Yosemite goes), this was/is a below average snow year...and much of the Park is still inaccessible in mid-April, even in a light snow year. Last year, a heavy snow year, it was late June before the Tioga Road opened, and the Mariposa Grove Road didn't open till mid-April. So, thanks to higher elevations, the traditional start of the 'tourist season' isn't really until Memorial Day (last Monday in May). That is good news for Europeans who want to enjoy the park with less crowds (fewer day and local visitors) but bad news from a dining standpoint. Oakhurst or the Park options (including the Tenaya Lodge) are really your only choices on the south side of the Park.
As far as Big Sur goes I think it is more a question of just limited options year round...and perhaps partly as a result I've never seen Nepenthe not crowded. I have had a lovely lunch (at least six years ago, if not more) on the deck at Ventana (which is open year round, though they only seat outside in nice weather...) Ventana will be less crowded than Nepenthe, but definitely pricier.
Al Fresco Lunch at The Haute Enchilada Cafe in Moss Landing
Thanks for the report, Melanie. I am a fan of the thin batter style of chile relleno, and am always searching for one with batter that isn't too fluffy or eggy, so between that mention, artichoke tamal (who could resist, bland or not?) and the location, this definitely will go on my 'to try' list.
California for two weeks - SF, Napa, Yosemite, and Highway One [trip report]
oh, so sorry to hear about the Awahnee. I have never had dinner there, but the bar food I've had wasn't as bad as you decribe...then again, I wasn't staying there and paying $600 a night, which would raise my level of expectation, and I definitely agree that they can do better...when you say nothing else was open in Fish Camp, I am guessing you decided not to drive down to Oakhurst? (It is a bit of a drive so can't say I blame you, but then again, I've not heard many previous positive reports on the Tenaya Lodge food.).
I was thinking about you a few weeks ago when I went to the Santa Clarita (southern Cal) In And out, mostly to get out of a rainstorm fairly late in the evening while driving home from LA. It was really not good at all. In fact, I wouldn't even call it better than most. Don't say I didn't try to warn you off of it. I've never understood the appeal, other than as a port in storm (and even that I regretted as soon as I bit into the burger. Oh, and I got the fries extra cooked, which is supposed to make them better. Sorry, McDonalds still makes better fries, which says too much about In and Out, IMO)...
Burger was mentioned and praised in the Santa Cruz thread linked to on your original request: glad you found it even if randomly and glad to hear a good report. Thanks again for reporting back!
Okolemaluna Tiki Bar in Kailua-Kona, any reports?
Other than a brief in passing mention in a thread on tiki bars statewide, that veered into a more general discussion, I can't find any reports on this tiki bar on the Big Island:
http://www.okolemalunalounge.com/index.html
Apparently they try to use local and sustainable products, for food, drink and in the bar materials and previously in construction, whenever possible (I first saw a reference to it in an Earth Day article on green businesses in HI).
it is killing me that I just found out about it several weeks *after* I get back from a trip there. The menu definitely has lots of appeal, and there is a nice-sounding happy hour. Would love to see any reports!
La Kebrada - Excellent Mexican in Fresno
thanks for the report! Looks like it is just a few blocks off the 99, so also a possible pit stop for travelers. The rib dish was most likely costillas en salsa roja (ribs in red sauce, natch), and presumably were pork ribs.
I am very interested in the name, because I have never heard or seen the word "Kebrada" in Spanish before, and am not sure it is a standard word. At first I had thought you meant "Quebrada" (Spanish for ravine), but a quick Google search does in fact confirm that you have the name right, but I can't find translations in Spanish. I see the word on some websites in Portuguese, but my Portuguese is not up to recognizing the context. It may be a city or region in Portugal? Anyway, now I am curious if the owners have a Portuguese connection. Guess that gives me all the more reason to come down and try the place out! :-)
Hmong Strawberries .OMG!.......Clovis
there is a very similar stand about three or four blocks from my house in Merced (Yang's vegetable stand, on McKee near Alexander). It has been open since at least Easter weekend, but the strawberries haven't been fully ripe until now, but yes, they are ready now, and absolutely delicious. Three baskets for $5. The spring peas, a generous bag for $1.50, are pretty darn good also.
It was particularly gratifying to see ripe strawberries since a lot of the (very) local crop was decimated by last week's storm.
http://www.mercedsunstar.com/2012/04/14/2307706/farmers-assessing-damage-from.html#storylink=misearch
El Ahorro Produce [San Francisco] - La Lengua Chronicles Part 8
all those years I lived around the corner I never tried those tortillas (though I also saw and wondered about the sign for the tortillas). Sigh...truer words about the food (non-)desert were never spoken....thanks again for the reports!
Karioko's Chicken: Peruvian in Merced?
hope not. There was a steady stream of take out when I went, even though it was early....
Napa Engagement Proposal - It's Going Down
I am not the right person to advise on quiet, proposal suitable wineries in Napa. However, I can't' resist chiming in to encourage you to consider re-thinking this plan if you want it to be memorable for the right reasons. Do you really only normally eat two meals a day? Personally, no matter how much I planned to eat at Meadowood, if I had breakfast fairly early in my room (which implies a fairly small, or at least fairly early meal), drove around to three to four or more wineries, perhaps did a bit of walking to find the private location, and then wasn't taken to dinner until well after 8 pm, I would be in absolutely *no* mood to say yes to anyone's proposal, much less to celebrate afterwards.
Perhaps a mid-day picnic is the way to go.
Will you be looking for anything specific at yard sales this season?
my current favorite go-to wine glasses are a garage sale find, at 20 cents each or something like that...
Best Bone Marrow Dishes?
I agree. The bone marrow was one of my favorites from a very nice meal there.
Grocery Outlet
forgot to mention:
limes, ten for a dollar.
California Olive Ranch Miller's Blend EVO, $5.99 for 500 mil (more than half off retail).
Grocery Outlet
Some of yesterday's Merced GO purchases:
Challenge butter: 1 lb $1.99, salted and unsalted. I freeze it if the expiration date is coming up fairly soon.
Brazilian Arabica coffee, 1 lb, I think, 2.99. No idea if it is any good, but we are going to try it.
Columbus artisan pinot noir salami: $1.99
Herdez salsa verde: 69 cents. (about 30 cents less than grocery stores here)
Hardy's Nottage Hill Shiraz, 2006, $3.99. Definitely in the drink now category, and at that price, we were happy to do so.
Asparagus: 99 cents for a one pound bunch, and it was thin stalks, which is how hubby likes it. have only seen thick in the grocery stores (at $1.99 I think?) and none at the farmer's market. Will serve it for his Easter dinner tonight.
Karioko's Chicken: Peruvian in Merced?
Made it to Karioko's Chicken finally...and am still pretty darn excited!
Atmosphere is basic but comfortable, and the place smells absolutely divine. You order at the window; a sign above the window states that food is fresh and prepared to order. There are booths for those who want to dine in. My type of place.
I decided to try the pollo a la brasa, which is obviously the signature dish. A whole chicken with two sides (generous servings) and sauces is $20; and was plenty for dinner for two. I chose rice and papas fritas for the sides; guess I was in a a mood for carbs. Salad is also an available side; I am afraid I didn't pay close enough attention to the other sides.
In addition to the chicken, the menu posted on the wall features lomo saltado, arroz chuafa, and a few seafood dishes. No alcohol served, but they have Inca Kola. A sign says that papa rellenos are coming soon. Sadly (since I visited on a weekday), arroz con leche, alfajores and ceviche are only available on Saturday and Sundays.
It wasn't long before my take-out order was ready. The smell drove me crazy on the short drive home.
The chicken was juicy and delicious, with wonderful garlic and smoke flavors to match the smells, although the marinade was somewhat saltier than I'd prefer. Chicken comes with an assortment of sauces, including a chimichurri that is out of this world and an excellent aji amarillo. I did wish for more sauce; next time I will get an extra order or three as an additional side (additional sides $1.50 to $3 each IIRC).
The french fries, thickly cut, were outstanding. These almost have to be the best fries in Merced. And when you dip them in the absolutely wonderful chimichurri, I am sure they are the best in town. If not in the region.
The rice was fairly standard white rice prepared in a broth, but it made a nice base for scarfing up more chimichurri. :-)
In short, this place is a great option in Merced that uses just a bit too much salt to be perfect. Indeed, while clearly more menu exploration is in order, I think the chicken here would hold its own against the Peruvian restaurants I've tried in San Francisco. The sauces definitely would hold their own. Moreover, its location on Highway 140 (Yosemite Parkway) is perfect for pit stops for travelers coming to or from Yosemite National Park.
I can't wait to go back and try more of the menu.
Big Island Report
It did occur to me that it would have been a better choice than the wine by the glass hubby ordered...though I did enjoy my flight quite a bit... :-)
Big Island Report
Our return flight from Hawaii was delayed, not exactly the worst of situations, particularly since we had called before heading to the airport and turning in our rental car. A last, leisurely lunch was in order but we didn't want to head too far from the airport. So, got to try Bite Me Restaurant for lunch after all:
we were seated on the back patio; not much of a view but you can look out over some of the boats in the harbor, and it was pleasant on a cool (for Hawaii) day. At two pm on a weekday the place was crowded (I think that is about the time boats start to come in), but service was fast and friendly.
The menu is simple and (of course) fish centric. Catch of the day was ahi, and we had it in fish tacos. The fish itself was wonderful, the tacos average: soft flour tortillas, cabbage, a smoky chipotle mayo, and house-made pico de gallo. Hubby also had a shrimp taco and enjoyed it. I got a side of guacamole: a small serving for $1.50, but freshly made and simple (avocado, lime juice, cilantro and a bit of salsa), made the way I would make it at home. Both of our orders of two tacos each came with rice and beans or salad: we both chose rice and beans: the beans were good, the rice was undercooked, which was a pity since flavor was nice. Portion sizes were fairly generous.
I'd eat there again because of the quality of the fish and its convenient location (particularly post-dive), but the real selling point for Bite Me is the beer selection: small but very nicely thought out. In particular, we really liked the Hawai'i Nui Southern Cross Belgian Style Double Red Ale, $10 for a 22 oz bottle.
Total for a plate of two fish tacos and a plate with one fish and one shrimp taco, plus rice, beans, house made salsa, and guacamole, plus a coke, one regular size craft bottled beer, and one 22 oz bottle, with tax but before tip, was around $42. Same menu at lunch and dinner, and they are open till around nine, I believe, so dinner might be a better deal. Recommended for a post dive beer and a snack.
Big Island Report
thanks for the additional info. I also tried the ube, and thought it was indeed interesting, but not my favorite, but then again, unlike Janet's hubby, I wasn't raised with it...
but link to home page doesn't seem to be there, and I can't find it when I google. would you be willing to re-post, KaimukiMan?
Big Island Report
Thanks for the report. I want to try that strawberry mochi!
Hubby and I are on a quick trip to the BI with friends, mostly eating food we cook ourselves, but hubby and I did head out to dinner last night after a day of sightseeing the southern part of the island, at Sam Choy's Kai Lanai. My bottom line: it was ok, but it could have been better. Our friends, who had travelled all the way to Volcano and came back later than us, tried, and liked, Manago's. One of them used to live in Japan and felt a bit transported to rural Japan by the Manago's atmosphere and menu.
But back to Kai Lanai: Service was mostly very good, with just a few misteps (bringing mains while the empty appetizer plates were still there, and then not removing the appetizer plates but putting the main on the side of a somewhat small table. nothing bad, in other words, but sometimes a bit annoying. I overhead the server at the next table trying to upsell her table at every opportunity (tables aren't too close together, but she had a too loud voice that carried), but our server did nothing of the kind and was friendly and unobtrusive.
Anyway, the good:
1. the setting: we went after dark, so not really a view to speak of (it would be great before dark), but the place is very pleasant: all open air, well-spaced tables, fire-pits, a nice bar).
2. prices: for the neighborhood and Hawaii generally, I thought prices were very reasonable. I had a wine flight of three nicely chosen South American reds for $9, and the pours on the flight were very generous. Lots of wines by the glass, wine list not overpriced. Mains start at around $18 and top out at $26, and as you mention, all include a cup of soup and a small salad (obviously inspired by the miso and small salad one would typically get in a Japanese restaurant, although the soup of the day for us was a Maui onion.) Total for our meal for one shared appetizer, two mains with soup and salad, and one dessert, a glass of syrah and my wine flight, with tax but before tip, was $89, and we both got two of the most expensive mains.
3. portions are generous. Hubby's rib eye was advertised as 10 oz, but it looked to be closer to 15 oz. We both took home leftovers, though part of that might be that we weren't crazy about the food. Which leads me to...
The not so good;
the food: actually, hubby's rib eye wasn't bad: done to medium-rare as requested, and the brown rice it was served on was tasty with juices from the steak. Just slivers of sauteed cabbage and bok choy (and small ones at that) as accompanying veggies, other than the thin bits of onion ring on top of the steak, which he ignored. I tasted his steak and thought it was flavorful; local beef and good quality.
I had the short ribs you mentioned, and was not too happy. The short rib itself was in a sauce I found to be overly sweet and one-note, but my real complaint was with the chow mein, which was both oily and cloying. Even at home in Merced in a town with few decent restaurants I can find noodles that are better than that. I did see spicy fish sauce as condiment on a few other tables (not ours), perhaps it would have helped.
The appetizer was a generous portion of fried calamari on a peppered cabbage base with a somewhat spicy aioli. The calamari wasn't greasy, but otoh, it didn't have much flavor.
Dessert was a dense and very good chocolate cake with Tropical Dreams vanilla ice cream. Unfortunately, they included an unadvertised caramel sauce which was much too sweet and one note (particularly after those ribs) and for me did in what would otherwise have been a well above average version of a classic dessert.
Sigh. The search for a good mid-range restaurant near Kailua continues.
And a few misc reports of my own:
As for dining at home: the line-caught that day fish we've been getting from Bite Me fish shop and restaurant, in the Honokohau Harbor where our dive boat leaves from, is excellent, as is their mahi-mahi ceviche. Yum! Might be worth trying the Bite Me restaurant for lunch, given the quality of the fish at their market.
We also have had good luck with fish at KTA in town, (and it is a bit cheaper than Bite Me) though the poke selection at KTA isn't as large as I remember from previous trips.
Found a new ice cream place, Dave's Ice Cream, mauka side on Highway 11 near Kealekekua. friendly service: the teenage girl behind the counter encouraged us to taste everything and was quite knowledeable. I ended up with a mixed scoop of pineapple and haupia; hubby had kona coffee. The taro and coconut was interesting and worth a try. All flavors are locally made and are high butterfat, creamy mouth-feel. I liked most of what I tasted a bit better than Tropical Dreams, but the place across the street sells Tropical Dreams so no reason not to do one's own comparison. :-) Dave's also has plate lunches, which we didn't try.
Karioko's Chicken: Peruvian in Merced?
I am pretty darn excited! Just got a tip from a co-worker whose food judgement is generally very reliable that there is a good Peruvian restaurant...in Merced! He says that he's tried it once or twice and that it has a full menu including rotisserie chicken, arroz con leche, ceviche, salt ado, alfajores, and more. For out of town Chowhounds, it is right on Yosemite Parkway, aka Highway 140, so would be a great stop for anyone heading to Yosemite through Merced.
So of course he tells me about this place just as I am getting to leave town on a series of short-ish trips. We are planning to go for lunch in a few weeks when I return, but I am so excited at the possibilities of a good restaurant offering a cuisine that I didn't think was available any closer than Fresno, that I am posting here in case anyone gets there before I get back.
If you go before I do, I'd love to hear reports!
Karioko's Chicken
1725 Yosemite Parkway (Highway 140)
Merced, CA 95340
EMP Versus Morality
I agree; I think it is a customer service issue, but I don't think it is an ethical issue and was surprised once I read the post that it was labelled as such.
As a customer service issue, I'd send an email or letter before writing the restaurant off, particularly if I loved it. Some people and businesses don't do well with phone.
so it's a chain, get over it [moved from Chains board]
There are chains and then there are chains...but one issue you don't really discuss is that many chains have considerable variety in food quality among branches. Whether because of franchise interest in the food (or lack thereof) or just location: an egg mcmuffin at all McD's is not equal. and the service definitely can vary considerably from branch to branch as well as from chain to chain...Of course, those that never eat at chains wouldn't know this, but I happen to think that a well-prepared egg mcmuffin is worth eating. Check out the one at the McDonald's in Gustine, CA; their food always tastes fresher than other branches of McDs. I figure it could be they don't get a high volume of traffic and make it to order. Of course, the only thing I've ever eaten there is the egg mcmuffin and coffee and only during breakfast hours. If I am in Gustine at lunch time there is *no way* I am going to eat at McDonalds with Wolfsen's Meats right down the street...
This is why I sometimes read the Chains board: to find out what to choose from the menu if either one is stuck in Chain-land or asked to go by family members, or to know which items at a particular branch might even be worth seeking out in areas where there are non-Chain options.
