ron c's Profile
Trader Joe wine bargains
I second that recommendation. Had the '04 last night and was very, very pleased.
Best Mexican Restaurant on Contra Costa
While not exactly Walnut Creek and with the caveat that I haven't been there in several months, IMO the best Mexican food in the area is La Tapatia in Concord. I base that on several dozen meals over the past few years.
HELP! Looking for restaurants in the Palo Alto area
After losing their liquor license a few weeks ago, I noticed an eviction notice on Nora's door late last week.
Not surprising given the gross incompetence of their management.
RIP - I'm going to miss their well-priced food which was occasionally brilliant!!
Mi Pueblo Market (Mtn View) - Burrito Report
I assumed they grilled the whole burrito since the tortilla was browned way more than if they had just warmed the tortilla on the grill prior to assembly. But since I don't know for sure (I was inside the market getting my Pacifico while my food was cooking), I'll just have to go back and order another to find out!
Mi Pueblo Market (Mtn View) - Burrito Report
Many times I've passed Mi Pueblo and noticed the line of hispanic folks in front of the market's taqueria either waiting to order or waiting for food. Each time I said to myself, wow, perhaps the food's really good, or maybe the prices are right or maybe, just maybe, both! Note to self: stop by next time you're hungry.
Well, that visit occurred last night. A quick scan of the menu revealed the typical taqueria offerings and prices in the $1 to $5 range. I decided upon a carnitas super burrito for $4.95.
The burrito was ready in about 5 minutes (enough time for me to run into the market and pick up a 12 of Pacifico for about $12). Said burrito was wrapped in foil and placed into a styrofoam container with a pickled jalapeno, some pickled carrots and a wedge of lime. I'm guessing the buritto weighed somewhere between 1 and 2 pounds...it was quite substantial.
The first surprise was that the burrito had been grilled!!! I am definitely of the opinion that grilling a burrito is vastly superior to just steaming the tortilla. First bite revealed a nice big hunk of carnitas with that fried taste and texture on the the edges surrounding a rich porky and still moist interior. As I progressed, I found several large hunks of carnitas such that I'm guessing 1/2 the burrito was meat, with the remainder being rice, beans, cheese, guac, salsa and crema. One burrito and 2 of the Pacifico's made for a substantial and satisfying dinner.
I need to return a few times to try some of the other items before calling this place my new favorite taqueria but I definitely know where I'm going when i want a carnitas burrito again!
Mu Pueblo Market
Rengstorff and Caltrain tracks
Mountain View
Patxi's Pizza - Palo Alto
I tried Patxi's for the first time last week and IMO, their pizza rivals Zachary's.
There were two differences I noted: 1) The crust at Patxi's is more of a traditional cornmeal crust and not the flaky, buttery crust from Zachary's. 2) Patxi's sauce is smoother and more garlic flavored than the chunky sauce at Zachary's.
The pizzas were made with fresh, high quality ingredients which perhaps justify the high price ($16 for a small pizza which is more than enough for 2 but probably not quite enough for 3). I also really liked the selection of draft beers.
I respect that the menu has only pizza and salads - they're keeping their focus. However, given the upscale (relative to) pizza parlor decor, I'm surprised they chose such a limited menu.
All in all, for someone living on the peninsula, I have no reason to make the drive to Rockridge anymore.
