lmnopm's Profile
Comal - Berkeley
Would you say the rib-eye is a "very good, good portion for two" if you don't order any starters, etc?
Commis - Beverage pairing - [Oakland]
We ended up having a bottle of white, and then a half-bottle of red - as the menu only comes afterward (unless you ask to see it first), I asked for a bit of guidance. The selections worked well, as the server suggested the menu was more conducive toward whites.
However, as a general comment about the meal, it was a home run. The last visit (awhile back, at the counter, before the counter was a special event) was a lovely meal, but this was a great meal. Not a single course came even close to falling flat, and at least a couple were memorable in a "for years to come" sense.
Service was wonderful, and very comfortable.
Two of us agreed that it blew our TFL meal out of the park in the taste and memorability department.
Commis - Beverage pairing - [Oakland]
I haven't been in awhile, and I only did the beverage pairing once. Honestly, I was not impressed and thought the selections were ok and the pour size was quite short given the price. The pairing is now $45. I'd welcome any recent reports as to the beverage pairing experience.
Himalayan Flavors replaces Pomegranate in Berkeley
I am surprised about the spice comment, because I've been there maybe half a dozen times (both lunch y dinner) and "medium plus" has been from comfortably hot to a bit more than comfortable. My lunches have been more inconsistent, but at worst, was acceptable. Definitely more heat than Indus Village (which I find to be a different cuisine altogether).
As the servers on my visits have been exceptionally nice and eager to please, I'd suggest that if you weren't thrilled with an item that you let them know.
This is the kind of place that I want to succeed. Just different enough, can shine at its best moment, and is always at least good. Plus, the price and availability of parking is a big plus.
Inexpensive near Union Square with difficult people
Thanks, all. I think Lefty O'Doul's will likely be the outcome - this isn't for another month. The night before is tentatively at Commis, for 3 :)
Inexpensive near Union Square with difficult people
If $36 for 3 courses is too much, you can see what I'm dealing with. Unfortunately, your recommendations are out, by a long shot.
Inexpensive near Union Square with difficult people
Oh help. I know someone here knows "just the spot." Several relatives are visiting soon and I have to find a place for a Sunday dinner for either 5 or 7 people. They are staying near Sutter @ Taylor. Taxi or car really not an option. Walking up or down too much of a hill gradient is going to be an issue.
For an idea of the further problems, i.e., I mentioned to mom La Scene, where I recently had a lovely 3 course for $36. This will be too expensive for some (and it seemed like by at least $10). While she'd be happy at Tu Lan (albeit closed Sunday), or a similar place, some of the others either (1) won't eat in that sort of establishment because it isn't super clean looking, or (2) won't vary off the "if it is Asian, it has to be Chinese "beef and broccoli" type. So, must of the "loin's tastiness is pretty much OUT. Mexican or similar would probably work.
I am really beside myself - I don't want to eat at the Cheesecake factory, although 2 of the people would be in hog heaven there. Between the distance, food type, and price restrictions, I am hoping, just hoping that someone here knows of a tasty gem that I just can't think of right now. When mom said "so and so doesn't eat fish," I reassured her that at our price point, this wasn't going to be a problem.
Maybe even the other way down Sutter, toward Van Ness? (It is pretty flat that way, no?) Thanks for your help.
Comal - Berkeley
The guy they've chosen to be their (I assume) lead barman will be great.
RIP Trattoria Corso [Restaurant is not closed; this is about service issues - CH Team]
I had a really tasty dinner there a couple of weeks ago - an early Sunday pre-show dinner. Top of its game? No. But a solid affordable dinner with decent enough service.
Cheapest store to buy wild caught fish in Oakland/Berkeley area?
Tokyo Fish and Berkeley Bowl(s) also have wild fish. Depending on the variety and season, it can be relatively expensive. On the other hand, when things like local sardines and other small local fish are in season, they are pretty cheap and also delicious. The stores will give you prep ideas.
Monterey Fish and Tokyo Fish are going to be #s 1 and 2 in the fresh department. If you are 'new" to seafood, extra fresh (even at the expense of eating a slightly smaller portion) is more important than cheap. It is not a forgiving protein. You can't really "sauce" your way out of bad fish, as opposed to a steak or pork chop.
meringue cookies in the east bay
La Bedaine makes a cookie that is essentially 2 meringues with what I believe is a ganache center keeping the 2 meringues together.
Need recommendations for lunch today near El Cerrito
My lunch last week at Rendez-Vous was very good, and the lunch specials incl. soup and iced tea are very reasonable.
Saison switches to prepaid ticket system
This restaurant is clearly too important for me to ever eat there.
Wine Bar/Wine Stores?
Swirl on Castro has an eclectic collection, and a small and very friendly wine bar in the back of the store. Probably 20 wines by the glass at any given time, and white or red flight options.
Visiting Berkeley for the First Time - Need Critique's
My 3¢ - see what the Monday downstairs CP menu is, and if you like the menu and there's a last minute cancellation, grab it.
Cesar is a very good place for a pre-dinner drink/snack or after dinner nightcap, and it is as convenient to CP as can be.
I like Corso, but I wouldn't trade CP for it.
If you are feeling "foodied out," Turkish Kitchen is a great recommendation for something very inexpensive and quite tasty and convenient.
Himalayan Flavors replaces Pomegranate in Berkeley
That sounds great - I didn't notice it (even though I was eating there last night, probably when you walked by).
We had the lamb momos, a goat curry (very good), and although the mango chicken wasn't on the menu this time, they made some for us. (It was good, but better the previous time, likely because the sauce was prepared in advance and developed more complexity.) Meat quantity in the dishes is not very great, as before. Again, the Phapar ko babar was good.
After 2 dinners and 2 lunches there (one of each very good, and one of each good), I'd say that this place is on the occasional rotation list.
The food went well with a Donkey and Goat rose - of course, not on the restaurant's menu, which remains sadly deficient in that department.
Gourmet Garden: Slow – mind your manners
I don't go there very often but have had nothing less than acceptable to pleasant service.
The Asian Restaurant that took over the Chevy's space on Van Ness Avenue
Any reports on the bar area? From time to time, looking for a decent cocktail in that area.
Where to buy good, not too expensive, pancetta locally?
I recall that Magnani had 2 types in the case (a few months back).
A little less Gioia in Berkeley (regulations run amok?)
Are you sure this wasn't some sort of ADA or other issue that wasn't Berkeley-specific, prompted by some sort of litigation?
Cesar Berkeley
When we stopped for a pre-CP glass of wine last night, I noticed on the outside posted menu that they now have paellas to go (pan and all), and you return the pan afterward. Have any Chow folks tried this?
Chez Panisse Cafe & Restaurant wine lists
A complete wine list was presented upstairs. Food was very good. Service was good.
Chez Panisse Cafe & Restaurant wine lists
Do they operate with the same wine lists? (and if not, will the cafe provide the downstairs wine list?)
French Laundry
If I had never heard of TFL, and if the bill was half the price, I'd have said "oh, that was a lovely lunch." That said, everything was good, service was impeccable, and there wasn't a "wow" bite in all the courses. Corey Lee had recently left.
I'll return one day if someone makes the reservation and picks up the check. Otherwise, it isn't worth it - not even close.
Good smoked fish?
Tokyo Fish has a brand of packaged smoked fish in the case that I'm not familiar with - I haven't yet tried it.
Around the World in Berkeley
You should consider Sabuy Sabuy II for Thai and discuss a restaurant buyout for the evening (it holds about 24 people). I did this once for a party and it was fantastic - selecting a set menu in advance.
El Baqueano - Buenos Aires
I recently tried El Baqueano - restoelbaqueano.com
What a nice surprise. I’ve walked by it for the past few years, always a bit hesitant, because they serve “native” meats, birds, etc. The menu is limited to a AR$160 tasting menu (under US$40) for several courses that are the most interesting and tasty I’ve had in Buenos Aires. (I’m not talking about big hunk of dead cow tasty, I’m talking about innovative food.) In fact, I much preferred this meal over the tasting menu at Pura Tierra. One of the courses was a tribute to El Bulli. Fear not, this isn’t a restaurant full of foams.
The wine list had a few options in each of many varietals. The server (one of the owners) was quite knowledgeable in everything she served, and knew the wines well. As much as you might be afraid of eating llama carpaccio, well, you shouldn’t be, nor with ñandu (an ostrich like bird), or yacare (alligator-like) -filled gyoza, or anything else we ate, including an edible wood.
The restaurant is located in San Telmo. A thoroughly pleasant experience. They also offer a 4 pour wine pairing for $115pp - we instead started with a bottle of rose, followed by a bottle of red. The wine price points will not ruin your meal - they cover a wide range starting in the just-under US$20/bottle, and most categories had something in the under US$25 range (and of course, a lot higher, should you choose).
Looking for a specific wine with dinner
The winery's website has a store locator that also includes "dining out."
