123milo's Profile
Innovative, exciting new food.....frustratingly disappointing wine list
This was my third visit to Commonwealth. My first visit in September was incredible -- each dish was exciting, innovative and tastey. Most memorable was a dish made with Fluke. The food had the spirit of Ubuntu -- fresh, clean, suprising and beautifully presented -- although Commonwealth is far from vegetarian.
My last two visits were a few weeks apart in December (2010). While the food was good the menu hadn't changed much between visits. Almost everything we tried was tastey from the kabocha squash dish to the yuzu and mushroom dish, to the mackarel to the pear/pomengranite/prosciutto salad. The only noteworthy disppointment was the Thyme Churros with Huckleberry sauce. The food shows a lot of variety in flavor and flavor intensity -- some dishes packed in the flavor and others were very subtle. Well worth the visit.
What significantly took away from the overall experience was the disappointing is the wine list. We've now tasted almost all the 'by the glass' options, both white and red, and during both visits we couldn't imagine ordering a glass of any of the options. However, we really wanted a glass of wine with dinner. It was frustrating to not be able to enjoy a nice meal with a reasonable glass of wine. The wines we've tasted lacked depth often disappearing as soon as they entered your mouth or had strong odd flavors one being so smokey it was as if you were in a smoke house. Both times we sat there torn between ordering something we didn't like (hoping 'it'll taste better with food, right?") and not having wine. None of the glasses we've ended up ordering tasted better with food.
After the last two visits, I feel like it'd be hard to convince myself to go again without seeing a change in their wine list. There are too many other great options in the bay area that have great food and wine -- Plum in Oakland being one. I do hope they make some changes . If wine isn't an important part of your dining experience I definitely recommend Commonwealth.
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Ubuntu Restaurant & Yoga Studio
1140 Main Street, Napa, CA 94558
Commonwealth
2224 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110
visit
went to celebrate a friend's birthday (visiting from New York). it was good but not great; black cod entree was disappointing so much so we sent it back. It just lacked any flavor. the Tomales bay clams that were served with the black cod were delicious but the black cod and the accompanying greens -- lacked any real flavor. The waiter took our entrees away and offered us a second starter. The Corn bread pudding and cheese plate were great as was the starter amuse bouche -- a poached egg yolk in a creme fraiche sauce with 'granola'. All three starters - were great too. Most surprising was the 'eggplant soup'. Beautiful presentation and space not sure I'd got again especially with Bay Wolf, a guaranteed great meal, just next door.
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Bay Wolf Restaurant
3853 Piedmont Avenue, Oakland, CA 94611
Commis
3859 Piedmont Avenue, Oakland, CA 94611
tastey dinner in Berkeley / Oakland area with a good selection of California wines?
I have two friend's coming in from Germany. They're coming to the east bay (Berkeley) on Friday afternoon. We're going to take a walk in Tilden and then go to dinner. They're only request was a place with good California wine. For some reason, I'm stumped. I'm open to Berkeley, Oakland or there abouts. Ideally good food and good wine....I looked into Gather but it's booked up.
Thanks!!
Zia's Gelateria -- a gem tucked away in Placerville (a must stop en route to or from Tahoe)
Wow Zia's homemade gelato rivals the best! Owner Shari Coia Fulton trained for over a year all over the US and in Italy before opening Zia's authentic Italian gelateria. She uses only the freshest and finest ingredients either local farmer's market or specially imported from France and uses the Hot and Cold gelato making method which makes ALL the difference in bringing out subtle and nuanced flavors that really pop in your mouth. I tried every single flavor and absolutely loved chocolate, coconut and passion fruit. I'm not even a coconut fan and i brought some home. The key is it's all in the flavors without being overwhelmed by sugar/sweetness. I came home with 2 quarts to tie me over until my next visit. The espresso drinks are great too. I'm sad it's so far from my home (Oakland) but I make it a must stop any time I am going to and from Tahoe or the greater Sacto area.
Lunch Plate from Curry Corner Takeaway, Hayward
just back from my first visit and wow...loved it. The fish was perfectly fried, crispy on the outside, moist inside, nicely seasoned with the perfect amount of heat, not oily at all. The black eyed peas, egg curry and roti were delicious too. I'll definitely go back when in the neighborhood.
La Cevicheria -- Guatamalen gem (mid city)
Go for what you know you like. You'll be coming back for sure so you can try the Guatemalan style next time!!
La Cevicheria -- Guatamalen gem (mid city)
I just got back from La Cevicheria (3809 W Pico Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90019 (323) 732-1253). This is my 4th visit in 2 years (I am from the bay area) and wow!!! In addition to several varieties of Ceviche, they have seafood soups, and daily seafood specials. Everything I've tried has been great -- consistently so over 2 years. They've got shrimp only, sea bass only and mixedseafood ceviches prepared 3 different ways -- Peruvian, Guatemalan and shoot can't remember the third way. I've had the Peruvian and Guatemalan. Both are great -- the fish / seafood is super fresh, great combo of lime, cilantro, chile and a dash of oregano. The Guatemalan version has Worcestershire sauce in it too. The daily seafood special today included 4 huge mussels, clams and fish in one of two sauces -- curry or Caribbean. I know that doesn't sound 'authentic Guatemalan but both were great). I'm not a dessert person, especially not tres leches and there's is really good -- not too sweet or syrupy.
auberge du soleil v.s. Cyrus?
have a special occassion coming up and trying to decide which of these two restaurants to splurge on? (or any others that you think are amazing)....
clayuda search bay area
any ideas for clayuda in the Oakland, Berkeley, Albany or San Francisco area?
clayuda search bay area
I recently clayuda in Los Angeles. And am having a craving for one in the bay area. Does anyone know where I can get some?
