howefortunate's Profile
Papa Joe's BBQ in Manteca
This restaurant is not consistent. We went again and the ribs were great.
Sonoma Itinerary Recommendations (for next weekend!)
I really enjoyed the artwork at imagery. The tasting room hostess did a great job of telling us tidbits about each of the pictures, which have all been used as wine labels for their wines. She took us into the club tasting room as well where some of the more interesting pieces are displayed.
Enjoyed their wines, too!
What is the best vineyard tour in sonoma & napa counties?
My favorite vineyard tour is Benziger in Sonoma Valley. You actually ride out into the vineyards...it's quite interesting.
Aerators
I have a Vinturi and have tested it in blind testings. It definitely improves the flavor of the wine.
Cheap Wine that Doesn't Suck
Check out Gayot's Top 10 Wines Under $10 - http://www.gayot.com/wine/top10wines-under10dollars/main.html
The impossible: top-notch cuisine with oceanfront view?
We were at Highland's Inn in Carmel in December. The view is quite dramatic. We thought the food was excellent, but I can't remember what we had. The view in the bar is equally breathtaking....enjoy a drink by the window as you watch the sunset...hard to beat!
Amazing Destination Restaurant for Anniversary Dinner?
I've never attended the Chef's Holiday, but Yosemite is my favorite place in California. The scenery really is breathtaking! Let us know how it turns out.
Donato Enoteca, Redwood City
My husband and I enjoyed a wonderful dinner at Donato in January. We shared the wild boar bruschetta....very flavorful and a nice start. The roasted chicken was delicious. The chicken itself was tender. It came served in a piping hot cast iron pan along with potatoes, veggies, and kalamata olives. I can't wait to go back to order the same meal again. Our server recommended an Italian wine that paired perfectly with our food.
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Donato Enoteca
1041 Middlefield Rd, Redwood City, CA 94063
Interesting restaurants in the Menlo Park/Palo Alto area?
I ate at Back A Yard as well during this last trip to Menlo Park area. Was not impressed!
When I first saw the restaurant, I thought that the food must be great for the good reviews I've seen for this little hole-in-the-wall spot. We were both disappointed. I had the jerk chicken, which was tender and moist. My husband had the oxtails, which where also tender.
The problem was the lack of flavor in all the side dishes. We would probably not go back.
Interesting restaurants in the Menlo Park/Palo Alto area?
My husband and I ate at Donata Enoteca two nights ago and were very impressed. It was a nice atmosphere, great service and the food was fabulous.
We started with the Boar Brishetta. Bread was lightly toasted and crispy. The boar was full of flavor and there was lots of meat on the 3 slices of bread. A nice starter!
My husband enjoyed the Pork Ribs. It came served atop a generous servicing of mashed potatoes. Wonderful flavors! I ordered the roasted chicken and it was delicious. Again....generous portions. I left with half the chicken. It was served in a hot baking dish with a yummy sauce along with zuccini, brussel sprouts, potatoes, and green olives. Chicken was moist yet had crispy skin. The veggies were full of flavor and complimented the chicken.
Our server recommended an Italian wine we had never heard of that was a hit as well. We would have loved to try a dessert, but were too full.
Amazing Destination Restaurant for Anniversary Dinner?
Sycamore Mineral Springs in Avila Beach (just south of San Luis Obispo) is a fun place. The restaurant is great. If you choose to stay, each room has its own private jacuzzi that you fill with hot mineral water after you arrive. The spa is also excellent. Perfect for a winter getaway!
Creme Brulee
Whatever recipe you use, slice a vanilla bean and scrap the inside into the mixture before cooking. It will have a much richer vanilla than using vanilla extract.
Looking for great pizza place in Sherman Oaks/Studio City Area
I moved to this year a year ago and still haven't found a great pizza place. Any recommendations?
Any great places to dine for dinner in Studio City?
My daughter recently moved to Studio City. Any recommendations to dine while visiting?
Thanks!
Best Breakfast in LA?
Cici's is my favorite place for breakfast. It's not far from 101. Exit at Reseda and go right on Burbank Blvd. I usually order the German Pancakes with fresh strawberries. YUMMY!
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Cici's Cafe
18912 Ventura Blvd, Tarzana, CA 91356
Glen Ellen: Raymond & Co. Cheesemongers – Probably the best cheese shop in the Bay Area
Will pay a visit next time I'm in Glen Ellen, Thanks!
How do you prefer to buy your wine?
It's fun to discover a new wine while wine tasting at wineries. There are wines that you can only buy at wineries.Living in California where there are lots if wineries, I probably buy 50% or more of my wine this way. I belong to the wine clubs of a few wineries, and will often buy wines at Costco or Beverages and More.
SF Italian/Bistro 50th BDay Dinner Suggestion
How was Kokkari? I haven't eaten there but am considering it.
Driving from Berkeley to Sonora. Dinner around Manteca/Oakdale?
Ferrarese's Deli Restaurant in Oakdale is wonderful. It's right on the main street on the south side of the road as you start to head out of town. It's rustic, but charming and the food is fabulous. Whenever we go that way, we stop. Never disappointed.
Papa Joe's BBQ in Manteca
My husband and I were not impressed. They were friendly, but the food was not up to par. Would not go back.
Any dinner recommendations in Aptos area?
We ended up at Theos. Service was nice. The food was not bad, but looked better than it tasted. We liked the atmosphere. After hearing lots of good things on this board, maybe I should try again.
Town of Sonoma Dinners - - Itinerary help, please
The burger at A Girl and A Fig is definitely worth a visit. Yummy!
Harris Ranch - AWFUL
Harris Ranch is a nice place, but the food is nothing I would brag about. I have stopped there many times....does anyone know of a good place to stop out on I-5 that is good?
Mission Bay - inexpensive dinner for 15 kids?
Corvette Diner in the Hillcrest area is popular with kids. This is a lively 50s style diner with a live DJ, a corvette from the 50s parked in the middle of the restaurant, and crazy servers. It's reasonably priced and lots of fun.
Best breakfast in Santa Cruz?
I have eaten at Zachary's many times in the past and enjoyed it. My husband and I ate there this morning and were disappointed. It was not as crowded as it usually is....a nice surprise. However, my husband's pancakes were served cold and my omelette had cold cheese inside....very little eggs and some of the eggs were still quite runny.
Boneless chicken breasts...
This is a great chicken pasta recipe:
2 Tablespoons olive oil. 4 boneless chicken breast halves, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 large chopped onion
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons fennel seeds
2 carrots, shredded
1 cup white wine
1/42cup finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes
12ounces linguine, freshly cooked
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
1. Add olive oil and chicken to a large skillet and saute over medium-high heat.
2.Add onion, garlic, carrot, and fennel seeds. Saute until onion is tender, adding chicken broth as needed to keep vegetables from sticking to pan
3. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and rest of broth.
4. Continue sauteing for about 5 more minutes until carrots are tender.
5. Add chicken mixture to cooked linguine and cheese.
This will serve 4
Recipe from http://www.cheers2wine.com/cooking-with-wine.html
Dinner for 20-25 people - what to make?
Lasagne is a good choice. You can make it in advance and freeze it. Set in the refrigerator the day before to let it slowly thaw before baking. You will need to triple it at least for the number you want to serve. Here's a great recipe I use...everyone asks for the recipe.
1 medium chopped red onion
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 1/2 pounds hamburger
2 cloves garlic (minced)
2 8 oz. cans tomato sauce
1 6 oz. can tomato paste
1/2 cup of dry red wine
1/2 cup of water
1 teaspoon oregano leaves
2 teaspoons basil leaves
1/2 teaspoon of pepper and sugar
1 teaspoon salt
12 ounces of lasagne noodles
1 lb. ricotta cheese
8 ounces mozzarella cheese (sliced)
1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
1. Saute the minced onion until soft.
2. Add hamburger and garlic to the onion. Cook until meat is browned.
3. Add and stir: tomato sauce, tomato paste, wine, water, salt, oregano, basil, pepper, and sugar.
4. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat. Cover and simmer slowly for 90 minutes.
5. Cook noodles according to the directions on the box.
6. Lay 1/3 of the noodles in the bottom of a 9X13 inch baking dish.
7. Cover with 1/3 of the meat mixture.
8. Top with 1/3 of the ricotta and mozzarella cheeses.
9. Repeat 2 more times so that all ingredients are used.
10. Sprinkle parmesan cheese on top.
11. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.
This will make 6-8 servings.
Recipe from http://www.cheers2wine.com/cooking-with-wine.html
Your favorite steak - and how do you prepare it at home?
This is a quick and easy way to grill steaks:
4 rib eye steaks
1 cup dry red wine
2 teaspoons garlic herb seasoning
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1. Place all of the ingredients in a large ziplock bag.
2. Marinate for 2 to 4 hours in the bag. Turn the bag over every once in awhile to keep the meat covered with the liquid.
3. Grill on barbecue until done as desired..
Recipe from http://www.cheers2wine.com/cooking-with-wine.html
Any dinner recommendations in Aptos area?
We are going to celebrate a birthday next weekend, staying at Seascape. Are there any places for dinner that you would recommend? We've eaten at Shadowbrook. It's a lovely and unique place, but the food is just "okay". Looking for some new choices.
