roserunner's Profile
Napa Wineries Trip Report
Thanks for this report. I grew up in Napa, and have never gone wine tasting because I am intimidated about where to start. I'll remember your tips that Whitehall, Elizabethe Spencer, and Frog's Leap are worth a go.
Dona Tomas - disappointing
I had a similarly disappointing experience my one and only visit to Dona Tomas. I got a scallop dish as well -- in some sort of butternut squash puree -- and thought it was awful. A ceviche was so lime-y that it was purely unpleasant. The server was bizarrely quiet and shy, and our plates were whisked away before finished. we sat around with the dessert menu, waiting to tell our server we were not interested in dessert, for over 20 minutes.
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Dona Tomas
5004 Telegraph Avenue, Oakland, CA 94609
Alameda Yumi Yogurt
I know frozen yogurt is latest fad, and new shops have been popping up all over the east bay. However, my love for frozen yogurt stems back to the good ole days of frozen yogurt shops, when the flavors were sweet, not tart, mochi was not a topping choice, and green tea or lychee were not flavor choices. I also like frozen yogurt enough that I prefer to take home some packed cups and keep them in my freezer -- which is not an easy thing to do at the newest self-serve places.
So if you're anything like me and enjoy sweet yogurt, this place is great. The owner is wildly accommodating, and if you show any inkling of loyalty, he will bend over backwards to supply any flavor you request. ANY flavor. He has a list of nearly 100 potential flavors! Additionally, he gives regular customers freebies pretty regularly.
They offer one sugar-free and one dairy-free flavor every day. Flavors change nearly daily, and there are I think 6 flavors each day. The toppings are many, fresh and pristine.
They also offer frozen-yogurt pies. I tried a sample of a pumpkin yogurt pie - it was great. Creamy with a graham cracker crust.
So if you miss these older style of frozen yogurt shops, I highly recommend Yumi Yogurt. Does anyone know of other places in the East bay or SF like this one?
Grand Tavern - Oakland
I totally agree that the burger was a misnomer - our plate was more like a sloppy joe, very messy. I'll stick with the "tasty" description above and not go further.
So far, their food has piqued my interest in trying other things on the menu, but the atmosphere is tops for me. For those nights when a group of 5 or more can't piece together a plan, it is casual, accommodating, easy to get to, and that beer selection.
Grand Tavern - Oakland
I've never been here during the day, but I imagine the vibe is very different then - especially if it is empty, and the menu is sparse.
However, grand tavern has quickly become a favorite for me and some friends. While somewhat on the more expensive side, they have a great selection of beers, tasty food (fries, beet salad, and burger are all I can attest to), a great atmosphere, and extra friendly service. It has become more and more popular lately, but we still are always able to earn a nice large table in the room with a fireplace.
every time we leave, the friendly owner/son asks if we've had a good time, and he smiles large, genuinely wanting to make sure we have. This place makes you feel like a welcome neighbor.
