andrewt's Profile
Cocktails before dinner at Quince
Where do you suggest we go for a cocktail before dinner at Quince? Something unique - a view, intimate and sexy, simply fun, good cocktails, good music or whatever... It's our anniversary and we'd like to avoid the ordinary. Thanks!
Picante in Berkeley--who cares?
Yes, Picante is bland and the food seems to change over time (been eating there for years), but mostly it's filling, reliable, and somehow comforting. But, now with a kid it's great!
I like the soup, the steak burrito with rajas and guacamole, and the manchamanteles. The caesar salad was really good last time too.
I just returned from Mexico (Puerto Vallarta and San Sebastian) and I'm always disappointed that it's so hard to find good, solid, traditional Mexican fare in the Bay area. They do the basics so well: good corn tortillas, very good beans and very, very good rice, great grilled steaks, great salsa, and simple guacamole without all of the fluff.
I grew up in Texas and miss the Tex-Mex!!! California, though also a border state, does not have its own unique version of Mexican food nor does it seem to do the authentic stuff well. I know there are places out there (Fruitvale, La Bamba in Richmond, etc), but I want them in Berkeley ; )
Tequila?
I just checked it in my bag. You tell them in Mexico at the airport when they search your bag and it's no problem. Same for arrival in the US. I believe legally you can bring back two 750 ml bottles.
Tequila?
Over time I've narrowed down my one hard liquor sipping preference to tequila. Something about its earthiness, almost a saltwater undertone. Just a few small sips goes a long way. I just returned from San Sebastian Mexico and bought a couple of bottles from a small "artisan" producer - Parador San Sebastian. Both a blue agave reposado and a raicilla reposado. Both are very good. I tend to prefer the flavor of reposados over an anejo.
Any recommendations for good reposados, ones that are no so well known but still findable in most large cities?
Best place in Berkeley to eat crab tonight?
At least, if the boats are in in time to deliver to restaurants. Where in Berkeley would be a good place to get dungeness crab for an early, casual dinner with our toddler? Or near Berkeley. Thanks!
Cask-conditioned ales in Berkeley or Bay area?
Just read an article in the NYTimes on cask-conditioned ales. I've seen them around, but can't recall where. Anyone know who would have them, preferable near Berkeley but anywhere in the Bay area too?
Pacific Northwest Pinot Availability & Food?
Thanks Melanie. Looks like he has quite a portfolio of Oregon wines. Some appear to be available at K&L, but I was hoping for an East Bay location. I'll contact him.
Dad gets a pass to go out for dinner. Where?
My wife goes out for a night with the moms group once in a blue moon, and I have not taken her up on a similar dads night out yet. I usually take my "time" during the day to go photograph while it's light out and I'm usually at the computer at night doing photography work. But, I'm being nudged to go out for a fine dinner on my own since I keep "complaining" about our lack of babysitters and date nights (we eat well at home, but sometimes it's just fun to get out!). Sounds fine to me.
Have any recommendations? We usually hang out in Berkeley or North Berkeley on our date nights (actually, usually on Fourth Street). Probably belly up to a bar, have a drink and eat there. Just keep it casual, but really good. Low key, relaxing, no fuss. Any ideas?
Might hit Amoeba music afterwards. Perhaps to Anna's jazz bar.
Pacific Northwest Pinot Availability & Food?
It's time for us to stock up again on some pinots from the Pacific Northwest. Are there any stores in the Bay area, particularly near Berkeley, who have a good selection of Oregon or Washington pinots or other PNW wines? I'm looking specifically for Adelsheim vineyards, but a few others as well.
And without having to fly to Portland, are there any SF Bay area restaurants that might specialize in PNW cooking? Thanks
Bakesale Betty is rockin!
Went there for lunch today after a too long hiatus. The line was out the door and around the corner! But it moved quick and the staff was efficient. Kind of reminded me of Lucy and the chocolate factory watching them make those fried chicken sandwiches to order (which was excellent as always, and had an appreciated surge in the jalapeno content). They also now have a super-tasty not too sweet frozen lemonade and were giving out samples to the line.
I counted almost 20 staff people behind the counter and in the kitchen! And the "lobby" was filled with stacks of trays full of fresh plums and peaches and Acme bread. I think it's time to open a second location in north Berkeley to release some steam ; )
Now on to that brownie...
T Rex BBQ/Berkeley? Anyone been there lately?
Went for lunch last Friday. Had the brisket sandwich (great! but meat was too fatty), the green goddess salad (good, but overpriced, IMO) and the fries (mmmm...). Limeade was very good too. The service was poor.
Anniversary Dinner Sunday East Bay
We're right behind you - 7 years! Hope you enjoyed it. We went to Rivoli because it's a nice walk for us. Mostly, it was very good and our waiter's wine recommendations were spot on. The only less than stellar dish was the fish. It was a bit overcooked. The corn soup was outrageously good and so was the carrot gnochi. The flank steak was also very good.
Dessert was a custom ice cream cake from Sketch. Mmmmm : )
What is Pizzeria Delfina like on a Friday night?
Turns out our event was at 7 PM so we just had dinner nearby afterwards. Walk right in to Delfina and sat at the bar and had a fantabulous meal! There was a 30 minute wait at the Pizzeria.
Is Chez Panisse still good (great)?
Thanks everyone! I made a reservation at Rivoli becasue we can walk there. We've been there periodically in the past and always enjoyed it; often sat at the front. Last week we made 3 trips to SF for dinner and events and it made us a bit weary. So somethng close to home sounded like just the ticket.
Anniversary Dinner Sunday East Bay
Going to Rivoli on Sunday for my own anniversary : )
Portland, Willamette, Ashland restaurant suggestions
In Ashland don't miss Sammy's Cowboy Bistro!!! If I could only have on meal here it would be Sammy's. In fact, I would drive 7 hours north just to have dinner here.
What is Pizzeria Delfina like on a Friday night?
Cool folks. Thanks! Looks like we'll need some backups in our pocket.
Actually, we may order from Pizzeria Delfina on the way, pick it up, and head to Dolroes Park for a picnic.
What is Pizzeria Delfina like on a Friday night?
We are going to a dance recital at 9 PM tonight at 17th and Shotwell in the Mission. Leaving north Berkeley around 7 we would like to grab a casual dinner beforehand nearby. We thought of Pizzeria Delfina, a place we've been wanting to try.
On Friday night can we expect a wait to get in? A long wait? A very long wait?
If so, other ideas appreciated. Tartine? We are currently Mexican-fooded out, so those options though always good are out for now.
Thanks.
Is Chez Panisse still good (great)?
I just checked and they are closed on Sunday, the date of our anniversary : (
Is Chez Panisse still good (great)?
My wife and I are looking for an anniversary dinner, something local and comfortable. Just a pleasant, relaxing time together with great food (sans baby). CP is close by and perfect. However, my last couple of meals some years ago were just above mediocre and the service was off. So, would you say it's better than that these days?
BTW I would love to do a search for recent posts on CP, but the Chowhound search engine seems to be missing the sort by date capability, a sad oversight in this day and time.
Thanks.
East Bay restaurants that use local ingrediants?
I've realized that one of the most effective ways I can reduce my use of fossil fuels is to eat local foods. No more Kiwi kiwi's for me : )
I go to the farmer's markets and cook at home when feasible, but that's not the case everyday. Sometimes we eat out or order out. Is there a list available of places in the East Bay that tend to use local ingredients? I imagine it's harder to do on an institutional level, to get a reliable source of ingredients from local farms. But I also imagine that some try. Local and in season ingredients would be even better!
BTW I'm looking primarily for casual places. It's rare that we get a babysitter and date night and head to Chez Panisse.
Any recommendations?
Where can I get help?
I can't find the Contact Us link. I'm trying to find out why my legitimate post was removed? It was on the Boston-area board, looking for rehearsal dinner locations between Boston/Natick. Is there a post-removal FAQ? Thank you.
Seattle Seafood Restaurant
Thanks, I just found it anyway. I do prefer to support local business's , but in my view a chain's a chain. Etta's seems to be hit or miss based on comments I read whereas The Oceanaire seems to be more consistently liked.
Would ultimately prefer a local place with "ecologically caught" in-season fish, but I'm with a group that needs to stay close to the hotel (Inn at the Market). They're not as food snobby as my wife and I and I don't want to make a big deal of it.
Seattle Seafood Restaurant
Hi, Trying to recall a seafood restaurant I heard about in Seattle. It's part of a small chain based in Minneapolis. Any ideas? I thought I read about it here but cannot find any posts about it.
Otherwise, what's a not to miss seafood place for dinner near downtown?
Thanks.
Seattle Eats: Need one more rec...
Union looks really good. I called and they were happy to take the baby. We're going early at 6.
Seattle Eats: Need one more rec...
I posted a few weeks ago asking the name of a place and it was Campagne. We have reservations there for dinner, at the restaurant. But we are looking at a second night for dinner and I'm not quite sure where to go. We'll have 8 plus an 8 month old. Any suggestions? We're staying at the Inn At The Market.
I actually have reservations at Matt's in the Market, but I'm concerned about seatng and this being a big get together weekend one in our party believes it may be too casual. But it certainly is well regarded and I like small, super tasty, semi casual places like this.
Chez Shea has also been recommended but looks like another really fancy night like Campagne.
How about Maximilien? Market Street Grill? Also heard of Dahlia, but it looks like a hit'or'miss chain experience?
I've scoured Yelp, but would appeciate some first-hand opinions from Chowhounders. I'm in charge of finding these places and I'm feeling the pressure! Thanks.
Teance Tea Shop moving to Berkeley's 4th St Nov 1, 2006
Don't let it bother you. Just go and enjoy yourself.
