jillyju's Profile
Chicken fried steak with white gravy, fried okra, and buttermilk biscuits around the Bay Area?
The fried okra at The Front Porch in SF is always excellent. Greaseless, perfect little nuggets. The portion is on the small side though.
Affordable steakhouse in East Bay for tonight
I would agree with you Eugene. I went there for the first time about a month ago, and my ribeye wasn't the tenderest I've ever had, but that was more than made up for in flavor and reasonable price.
Their ribeye steak price on the menu was for a 10 or 12 oz. steak. We asked what it would cost to order a larger cut, and were quoted a very reasonable price. I think they said it would be $2 more per oz. They cut the steaks to order, so any size you prefer can be accommodated. We ordered 16 oz. steaks, and paid either 26 or 28 per person (can't recall), which included mashed potatoes, a small (unremarkable) salad, and a side of freshly sauteed zucchini and broccoli. Both of our steaks were cooked just as we ordered them, and we both left full and happy. Not the best steaks ever, but tasty and affordable.
Report: Newish Alameda Breakfasts
Another report about Cafe Jolie here: http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/844066
Birthday Party help w/ chefs menu at home
Hi marthak,
I wonder if you might get more response by posting this on the General Chowhounding Topics board. This board is Bay Area Chow specific, so if you were wondering about caterers (for example) you might get some responses, but for general menu planning I don't think this is quite the right place.
Good luck!
Need to find a decent buffet for large gathering
What about the Brix brunch buffet in Napa? I have always wanted to check it out, based on positive reviews I recall reading here. I haven't heard recent reports, but it might be worth looking into. Price is in your ballpark at just under $40 pp, and location is lovely.
Such thing as a delicious brunch buffet in SF?
I have never eaten the grits, so I can neither agree or disagree. However, I was there for the brunch last weekend and I thought it was still decent for the price. I like their biscuits, and I enjoy the fried chicken, which was tasty and fresh from the fryer. I thought their sausage gravy had gone downhill, but the waffle I had tasted was better than many places that make them to order
Cafe Jolie, Alameda
Ruth, I had you in mind when I posted. I know you are a true Alamedan, whereas I am an Island newcomer. The food was much better than I expected, and I thought they made the space into something very pleasant.
Cafe Jolie, Alameda
Today I had a lovely lunch at a new cafe in the west end of Alameda called Cafe Jolie. The space is airy and pleasant, with comfortable roomy booths as well as regular table tops. When we arrived at 11am the place was about a quarter full, but by the time we left at 12:30 every table was full and there was a line of folks waiting to be seated.
They serve both breakfast and lunch, as well as pastries and coffee. Almost every table had an order of fresh beignets on it, though we didn't get a chance to try them. I ordered a ground chicken burger and my friend had a tuna nicoise salad served with a fresh piece of seared ahi tuna. My burger is really the reason for me posting about the place as I found it surprisingly good. The patty tasted herby and mildly garlicky. It was moist and held up well to the bun, which seemed to be a brioche (not sure about such things, but definitely a noteworthy and tasty bun). It was served with a choice of greens, potato salad, or fries. I loved the fries--thin cut, appeared to be fresh rather than frozen, seasoned liberally with black pepper, and though a few were limp they were mostly crispy and all were delicious. My friend loved her generous and very fresh salad.
Service was pleasant and prompt, and our water glasses were kept filled with cucumber water. On the way out we stopped by the pastry counter and ordered a few things to go. So far I've tried an apple turnover type thing that had a really lovely, flakey crust. My spouse loved the chocolate mousse I brought home for him, but since I didn't taste it I can't speak for it.
Prices seem very reasonable for what seemed to me to be high quality ingredients that were well prepared. It's great to have such a place on this end of the island.
Cafe Jolie
1500 Webster
523-4500
Open 7am-3pm daily
Grocery Outlet-April 2012
Oh no! I just got caught with my Boston showing! What I bought was indeed Best Foods mayo. I just automatically, and entirely unconsciously, called it Hellman's. I apologize for sending you on a fruitless chase. I hope you will enjoy what you bought instead!
Grocery Outlet-April 2012
Oh, I forgot to mention I noticed but didn't buy Haagen-Dazs ice cream--Bananas Foster and Cranberry Pumpkin Spice. Maybe 1.99 for a pint?
Grocery Outlet-April 2012
If there is already a thread started for this month, I couldn't find it, so I'm starting a new one. Today, at Grocery Outlet Oakland, I picked up the following:
Challenge Butter- 1 lb, salted: $1.99 : These are the quarters, not a solid block of butter. Great deal.
Cauliflower- 2 for $3.00: Appeared fresh, and of good size
Cabot Cheddar Cheese: $2.49 (I think). Good price for Cabot
A few other cheeses--Edam, Fontina, Gouda but at prices that I thought were generally not as good as Trader Joe's
Kettle Chips-6 oz bag-$1.99: New York Cheddar, Fully Loaded Baked Potato, Sweet Maui Onion, Backyard Barbeque, Yogurt and Green Onion flavors
Columbus small artisan style salami, Pinot Grigio: $1.99
Hellman's Mayonnaise, squeeze bottle: $1.49: found in the last aisle above the peanut butter, jelly, etc.
Lea & Perrins Worcestershire Sauce-$2.49: I don't have it in front of me, but I'm pretty sure it was the 10 oz. size (Safeway has that size for $4.39)
Monday Night Prime Rib at Lake Chalet, Oakland- reports?
Exactly the sort of feedback I was after, and in keeping with my suspicions. Thanks so much for the details! I will most definitely avoid!
Monday Night Prime Rib at Lake Chalet, Oakland- reports?
I just discovered that Lake Chalet has a very reasonably priced Monday night prime rib dinner special (see: http://www.thelakechalet.com/userfiles/Lake-chalet-prime-rib-mondays.pdf). I have never felt compelled to check out Lake Chalet, based on experiences at Park Chalet in San Francisco in the past, but I might make an exception for the roast beast fan in myouse if anyone could confirm that it's a decent dinner. Anyone with some experience?
Ad Hoc Review - March 2012 [Yountville]
The last time I ate there was not long before they closed for renovations, but my experience was much the same. I approach eating there is a special occasion--I'm spending more than I usually would, and I have driven 1.5 hrs to get there, so I admit that my expectations are higher than for most meals. We were there for a fried chicken night, and I was really looking forward to trying the chicken that has gotten so many raves (not just on Chowhound, but the opinions of the folks on this board were certainly a major motivator).
The serving pace was rapid fire, and they removed our first course before we were completely done with it in order to bring our mains. Because I was most interested in the chicken, I didn't complain. But the chicken was a. a skimpy portion, and more importantly b. not that special in taste or preparation. My dining partner and I really loved the side dish, which was a jerusalem artichoke mash that was buttery and smooth. The next time we saw the waiter wasn't until he attempted to clear the table. Both of us wanted more of the side dish though, and I decided to ask for more of that even though the waiter made it uncomfortable to do so. My dining companion actually wouldn't have minded another piece of chicken but we both felt as though the response to asking for more of the side dish was met with such awkwardness that he didn't want to take the risk of further scorn.
Both of us left that night feeling both disappointed in the meal itself, but also a bit ripped off. I have trouble imagining a scenario where I would go back.
Diners, Drive-ins, Dives, and Disgusting
Miss Flo's! A gaggle of my college pals and I used to love to head there for great weekend brunches, back in the day. Wonderful food and a wonderful place. I don't recall ever having a bad meal there. Thanks for the memories!
Where can I find a good stromboli in San Francisco?
I know that you asked specifically about San Francisco, but since the response to your request was sparse, I'll add that I think the stromboli at Scolari's in Alameda is very good.
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Scolari's
1303 Park St, Alameda, CA 94501
East Coast Subs - Where to Find or How to Recreate
A grinder was a toasted sub in Marblehead, MA too--and throughout the North Shore. One of the things missing from subs in the Bay Area for me is that in addition to the lettuce being shredded, the pickles, onions and tomatoes were all diced up, not sliced. I'm convinced that, in combination with the oil/vinegar, makes the flavor distinct. The mortadella, provolone, etc. are necessary too, of course.
The Delta Farmer's Market, Highway 12, Isleton
Last weekend we headed to Galt from Alameda for the Winter Bird Festival. We stopped at the Delta Foundation's store, the Delta Farmer's Market, near (I think) the intersection of 12 and 160. The produce available wasn't extensive, but what was there was exceptionally fresh and everything we tried was delicious. We bought Meyer lemons for .50 cents each, some tangerines (unidentified type) which were very juicy and a nice blend of sweet and tart at the same time--cost may have been .99 per lb. but I'm not 100% sure, a freshly delivered baguette from a local baker, a small bottle of locally produced extra virgin olive oil (nice grassy flavor with the bread), and some fig vinegar that I haven't tried yet. They had local walnuts, apples, local honey and various squash as well but we didn't purchase them. A whole corner of the store was devoted to local wines, and it appeared they may offer tastings. I don't drink so that wasn't an area we explored.
The store is a non-profit intended to highlight the products of the area, and the woman who was working there was quite pleasant and kind. When I asked what type of tangerines were in the bin, she said that she didn't know but handed me a whole one and said "try it!". My impression is that what they stock will always reflect the season. I'd make it a point to stop there in the future, both to support a great project but more importantly, to pick up tasty fresh produce and gifts.
http://www.discoverthedelta.org/market.html
106 W. Brannan Island Rd.
Isleton, CA 95641
918-777-4442
Best bites of 2011
Thanks--I will check them out. Mussel eating would be a good full-time hobby.
Such thing as a delicious brunch buffet in SF?
Sorry I missed your question. Ernie in Berkeley is correct that it is a buffet, and reservations are pretty much required unless you are there by yourself and don't mind trying to grab a seat at the bar. By the way, I had a virgin bloody mary there about a year ago that was exceptional.
Grand Lake (Oakland): What to Eat and Where?
The kimchi noodle soup is a definite highlight for me too. I tend to slurp up all the liquid and leave the noodles to my husband--he slurps up the noodles and leaves me his liquid. We are both happy.
Fermented Fish Soup @ Bun Mam Soc Trang in Oakland
The Goi Cuon (fresh rolls) are really excellent. Clearly made to order, and the peanut dipping sauce is very tasty. I've also had the Bun Thit Nuong with Cha Gio a couple of times and really enjoyed it. The noodles in that dish are perfect, the vegetables fresh, and the generous serving of grilled pork has nicely caramelized edges. The Cha Gio that comes with it is good too--not the best I've ever had, but solid.
This is a favorite place for me--though I've only been a few times because their hours don't really match up well with my work hours.
Grand Lake (Oakland): What to Eat and Where?
A favorite of mine is Jong Ga House. The kimchee pancake is always a great way to start, and the panchan is generous and tasty. My spouse's favorite dish is the eel dol sot bibimbap; I would say that while the soon dobu doesn't have the depth of flavor that some other places have (I am particularly thinking of Sahn Maru), that the overall experience always makes me happy to have been.
Additionally, while I have not yet been to Enssaro, it has been mentioned many times on this board for its very good Ethiopian food: http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/699858.
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Jong Ga House
372 Grand Ave, Oakland, CA 94610
Such thing as a delicious brunch buffet in SF?
Farmer Brown's has a weekend brunch for $16.50 pp. It features fried chicken and excellent biscuits. It's not a huge spread but it's very reasonably priced if you like the following limited items in addition to those already mentioned: scrambled eggs, pancakes, sausage gravy, mushroom gravy, thick cut bacon, thin slices of pecan/red-velvet/chocolate cakes, and fresh fruit of some sort.
There is always a live jazz-type band playing.
Best bites of 2011
10foot5--have you had the mussels w/Pernod and cream at A Cote? If so, how would you compare the Sidebar version to the A Cote version? I'm a longtime, ardent fan of the A Cote version and would be glad to know of another place doing something like it.
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A Cote
5478 College Ave, Oakland, CA 94618
Local half sour pickles?
I am not a fan of the Happy Girls. I have not found a proper half sour in the Bay Area. I grew up just outside of Boston, so I think I share the taste memory of what one should taste like. Honestly, I think Batampte comes closest, but only if it is a very fresh jar. They should only be purchased at a place that has high turnover on them. Of course a quick trip to LA works too.
Christmas Eve with an Out-of-Town Guest-Advice Solicited
Since folks were generous with their input on our Christmas eve dinner, I wanted to report back. Though I made reservations at Perbacco, I held on to the reservation at Buckeye for a bit. As it turned out, after reviewing both menus, our guest preferred the Buckeye, so I cancelled Perbacco and we went to the Buckeye.
Traffic was, surprisingly, not at all an issue. Despite the early time of the reservation (it turned out to be 4:15pm, not 4:45), it was packed and we actually waited about 30 minutes to be seated. I worried that was a sign of a bad beginning. However, once we were seated, everything fell into place. The place was warmly decorated for the holiday, and we sat under a stuffed moose head with decorations on its antlers. Most importantly, our guest LOVED her food.
We started with a shared appetizer of dungeness crab cakes (the waitress offered to bring 3 cakes instead of 2.) They were mostly crab and quite tasty, served with a really nicely dressed frisee salad. Our guest had a main of halibut with ravioli (stuffed with mushrooms, I think) that she inhaled, so I barely got a look at it. She said the fish was cooked perfectly. My spouse had chili lime chicken cooked under a brick, which they've had on the menu in one form or another forever. He really enjoyed it, particularly the grits and stuffed poblano chile served alongside.
I had the smoked baby back ribs, which I have had there before and always enjoyed. They were actually slightly overcooked and on the dry side. They were definitely still tasty, just not at their best. They were served with mashed yams and coleslaw. Everyone at the table happily helped themselves to the yams. I think I would have rather had a mashed veggie that was less sweet--butternut squash came to mind. The truth is, because of the nature of the gathering, I kind of didn't care that my food wasn't stellar as long as everyone else was happy.
We shared a couple of desserts--key lime pie and their S'more pie. I was unenthusiastic about both, but our guest really loved the S'more's marshmellow layer and it hit the sweet, chocolate and warm cylinders that she seemed to be looking for.
Anyway, service was very attentive and helpful, and most importantly, for my Texas friend everything about the meal most certainly hit the spot. I think it turned out to be a very good choice for her, and I will continue to be fond of the place for certain types of occasions.
Thanks everyone for jumping in to the disccussion. Even though we ended up going to a place I've been to many times in the past, it was helpful in many ways, and Perbacco will be one of my first restaurant visits in 2012.
ISO miniature cheesecakes (in San Francisco)
I don't know how tasty they are, but I know Whole Foods has them in their bakery cases.
