tmsmama's Profile
Thanksgiving Dinner Recs in Contra Costa?
Anyone heard of a good place to go for Thanksgiving Dinner without having to go to SF or Berkeley?
Going to spend Thxgiving with Dad's side of the fam. this year. I'm usually the cook, so looking for a good restaurant to recommend to Mom and rest of the family to go for Thanksgiving dinner. They tend to want to stay on this side of the tunnel -- Lafayette, Walnut Creek, PH, Alamo, Danville etc all options.
Mail Order Choc Cake or Cupcakes? Perfect Endings or other recs?
I want to send my aunt a birthday treat in the mail as a surprise. She is a baker. She bakes so much she literally melted the handles off her stove.
Her birthday is next week, and I want to send her a chocolate cake or cupcakes from a good bakery. Something moist and delicious. Any recs on bakeries/companies that mail their products?
She lives in Fresno, and we live in the East Bay.... Perfect Endings in Napa will ship a dozen out, but since the shipping is going to cost more than the cupcakes [over $20 bucks], I thought I'd open the question to this group.... if they're gonna cost that much, they better be the best! Thoughts/recs?
Cafe Cruz in Santa Cruz/Soquel ... Anyone Been recently for dinner?
Looks like I may be taking 14-16 friends to a restaurant on Sat Dec 5th in the Santa Cruz area to celebrate my 40th bday. Want yummy food at a $20-25 pp price point [before taxes/gratuity], so Cafe Cruz seems to fit the bill.
BUT I've never been to Cafe Cruz, and the only mentions I could find on the Chow boards are not recent. Anyone been recently ?
I'm open to other suggestions within the range as well...
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Cafe Cruz
2621 41st Ave, Soquel, CA 95073
Help?! Looking for fav.
I'm turning 40 in November and gathering 16 of of my friends to come eat, spend the night and celebrate at a rental beach house in Santa Cruz. They'll be coming from all over, so I don't want to make reservations at a particular time, and don't want anyone to have to cook.
Any thoughts about yummy catering that would be delivered and/or take-out in the area? Not thinking along the lines of Mexican or Chinese [because I eat them a lot in my everyday life], but open to any other suggestions.
Thanks so much in advance!
Santa Cruz Catering or Take-Out for 16 for a Saturday night?
I'm turning 40 in November and gathering 16 of of my friends to come eat, spend the night and celebrate at a rental beach house in Santa Cruz. They'll be coming from all over, so I don't want to make reservations at a particular time, and don't want anyone to have to cook.
Any thoughts about yummy catering that would be delivered and/or take-out in the area? Not thinking along the lines of Mexican or Chinese [because I eat them a lot in my everyday life], but open to any other suggestions.
Thanks so much in advance!
Artisan Bistro Brunch Report July 2009 - Lafayette
Partner and I wanted to celebrate our anniversary with a special occasion Brunch in the PH/WC/Lafayette area. He was not so hot on Va Da Vi the last couple of times we'd gone - while we'd gone and really enjoyed it in the past, in the last couple of years we've noticed some inconsistencies in quality and service and lleft feeling we'd perhaps paid more that the experience/food was worth.
So the search was on this time...which led us to Artisan Bistro in Lafayette, which formerly housed Gigi [to which we'd gone NY Eve 2 years ago and underwhelmed.]. Just opened March of this year.
We were looking for an intimate but not pretentious setting with good service and the use of fresh, local ingredients in ways that felt more special than the norm [e.g. than we could get at a casual fav of ours down the street, Chow.] Happy to say we were not disappointed.
We started with an heirloom tomato gazpacho, served with a good sized lump of fresh crab wrapped in avocado. It was savory and refreshing. I had braced myself for the tiny portions of crab with which restaurants often top soup, but the portion/ yum factor was a nice surprise.
Next, we had the Croque Monsieur and Croque Madame - generally never order it but thought they might do it well since the owner/chef worked at French Laundry. I couldn't stop eating the Croque Madame, though I was truly full. Flavors were well balanced. I wouldn't bother with the Monsieur, though -if you're gonna go for something this rich, I say go for it -- I think the perfectly cooked egg and bechamel sauce turn a good grilled ham/cheese into the special event entree it was for us. Turns out the owner chef was the one there - seems he is there cooking a majority of the time.
Our server was friendly, warm and attentive without being obtrusive. We weren't asked whether we'd want fries or salad with our meal so I was curious as to what he'd bring. When my husband told the server that he forgot to mention that he wanted the salad, the server was really cool and said no problem - asked if he could leave the fries with us [fine!] and brought the side salad. I have rarely had a pre-dressed side salad that was more perfectly dressed- reminded me of some of the best salads we had in France.
They asked if we were there for a special occasion, which we were. I have to say that when I made the res. they asked, and then the host asked again, then and the server asked yet again, so that seems to be a glitch in communication... BUT what impressed us most is that they were asking in order to treat us to a dessert of our choice - anything on the menu, plus 3 off the menu choices. We went with the server's seasonal suggestion of a Watermelon Granita in a Strawberry Consumme, with basil microgreens. When it came, he had a candle lit on the dish [which he sheltered from going out with a mug all the way over.] The dessert was refreshing and pretty... a perfect summer dessert . Served separately was a delicious square of chocolate balanced by fresh organic strawberries with "Happy Anniversary" written on it.
I'm always interested in whether good service is linked to the happiness of the servers, so tend to ask whether servers get to eat where they work. When I hear that they get, say, a 25% discount [and no health benefits], I am not impressed. But, not so here, according to the server - he said that the owner really takes care of his staff, and that the server is really happy to be working for him.
So maybe Artisan Bistro will be around for a while. I hope so. I want to check out dinner.
I want to go back to check out dinner. Anyone been?
San Rafael Dinner on the Cheap?
I DIDN'T! But I'll certainly be back so will check it out next trip... :)
San Rafael Dinner on the Cheap?
Just back from dinner at Sol Food. YUM. Thanks so much for the recs.
Everything written here was spot on. We split the Pollo Al Horno with two thighs and ordered a side of the pink beans w. green olives. Flavors of everything - incl. the homemade bottled pepper sauce were absolutely delicious. My friend had the housemade limeade, which was just right - not too sweet - surprised me that it was carbonated, but it was not too bubbly and was very refreshing. Huge portion served in a bell jar. I had a can of coconut juice, which was good. We tried both the fried garlicy and the sweet plaintains [we both loved the sweet - almost like dessert and thought the garlicy ones seemed dry - are they meant to be that way?] .
Then i had the coconut pudding w. mango sauce - flavors again were perfect - rich, creamy coconut with a tart mango-lime puree on the top -- reminded me of the flavors of Thai mango w. sticky rice, which I love. In fact, I was wondering if I could replicate the dish but add rice or tapioca -- would that be sacrilege, though?
I was very impressed with the efficient service -- they really seem to have a good system for getting people the service they need despite the crowds.
Loved the decor.
Overall: Well, well worth the visit - good food at great prices...
My friend has declared we will never meet elsewhere - despite the fact there are many restaurants on that street of just about every kind of food imaginable - she says "But why go anywhere else? There's no need."
Hmmm. Had to argue with. Looks like we'll have to find a way sometime to meet for longer so we can have lunch there, and then dinner at a new spot... :)
San Rafael Dinner on the Cheap?
Thanks for all of your great suggestions. Will report back.
San Rafael Dinner on the Cheap?
re: Sol Food: Which location would be most suitable for talking and eating leisurely? And which of their features do they consistently do well? That's our goal... good not-so pricey food, good company...
Zuni report June 2009
The first time I ate at Zuni I was unimpressed - service was slow to say the least, and the hamburger I had was overcooked. It felt overpriced for lunch.
And there are so many great restaurants in the city, that when we've ventured over [from the East Bay], we've tried other places.
10 years later, I find myself looking for a dinner near the Orpheum, so search this board. Zuni came up, so I decided to try again.
I'm glad I did. while service was still slow and uninspired - in fact, our presence seemed to be an inconvenience to the person helping our server get us bread, water, etc - could not get a return smile from him to save my life! [this is one of my pet peeves - I don't want to feel that I'm putting someone out by simply being at their table to eat!] - I liked what I ordered.
I ordered the pork chop, with the little gem salad as a starter. The salad was fresh.light, tasty and not overdressed. The pork chop was cooked and seasoned perfectly.
But the star of the meal was the steak my mom ordered -- I was skeptical when it came pre-sliced but it was tender and delicious - melted in the mouth, served with baby potatoes.
My aunt ordered spaghetti with clams and mussels served in a white wine/olive oil/caper broth and that was the only disappointment -too salty as a whole and tiny, tiny seafood and not much of it.
For fresh, local seasonal ingredients prepared well, I'd definitely go back. But I'd go elsewhere if I cared about the service.
Have had good experiences with service upstairs at Chez Panisse, so would recommend that ahead of Zuni, but the pricepoint there might be a bit higher, and you can't beat the location if you're looking for pre or post theatre fare.
San Rafael Dinner on the Cheap?
I should add that we're open to any and all kinds of food...
San Rafael Dinner on the Cheap?
Meeting a friend for dinner tomorrow night and money is really, really tight.
Any recs on where to go in San Rafael outside of corporate fast food? She was suggesting that we search for a Whole Foods type deli but I'm thinking if we're going spend that much, there might well be a restaurant we'd spend a similar amount at. Thoughts?
TIA!
Terramar in Walnut Creek?
Wanted to get into Myth for Valentine's meal... alas, too late for any SF restaurants at this point so sticking close to home.
Anyone been or heard anything about this restaurant? Can't find any reviews on the net for them but walked by the restaurant on N. Main [where CrepeVille used to be - there has been so much turnover at that address!] and am curious. Called the phone number 411 had for them, and there is an answering machine, so it seems like they're open.
Thanks,
Tina
ps: searching past posts for restaurant recs I came across a query about Gigi in Lafayette-- don't know if anyone has written anything about them since, but my husband and I went for New Year's Eve dinner and could share if anyone were interested.
Brunch at Mosaic in Forestville?
Going to Sebastapol to treat my best friend to a birthday brunch. We've been to WillowWood and Howard's.
She's mentioned Mosaic as a newer dinner favorite, but no mention of it for brunch.
Anyone been there for brunch?
Searched for any reports for brunch in Sebastapol/Forestville, and found the Sfoglia rec, which is a definite possibility, but still wondering about Mosaic.
Thanks!
Dinner walking distance fm 1 Market/Ferry Plaza?
We did end up having a quick lunch before catching the train back home in the Lounge at Slanted Door in Ferry Plaza. Years ago, after hearing so many rave about Slanted Door in its original location on Valencia St, we went there and I was completely underwhelmed and didn't get all the hype.
Alas, we had a train to catch, and since Hog Island was packed [as usual?], an Imperial roll on the fly sounded immensely more tasty than a burger so... we fell into the trap once again. Had the Shrimp / Imperial Roll Noodle combo and the Daikon Rice Cakes [supposedly with shitake mushrooms and shallots, but none to be seen].
The Shrimp/roll/noodle dish tasted fine, though small portions for what we paid. Alas, I will never admit to anyone in my Chinese family that I essentially paid 10 bucks for mediocre law bahk go [pan fried turnip cake], which none of them would pay over 3 bucks for in any decent dim sum place. [don't know how Hounds weigh in on Tin's Tea House, but that's where we go b/c we live on this side of the Caldecott]. What bugs me is how so many places are taking very down home ethnic offerings - like dim sum - and calling them something else, with some fancy garnish, and then charging literally 3-4x as much. Crazy. Maybe I'm just terminally unhip.
What to buy at Miette?
Once again, I am appreciative of Hound recs...
We were in the area this weekend [finally made it to Ferry Plaza to spend the Miette gift certificate], and bought 16 macaroons- $24 dollars of the $25 gift certificate, worth, to be exact. The pistachio go down so easily -- and the rose ones were divine. Not so big on the chocolate ones, though. Two days later, and there are only 3 macaroons left -- dangerous stuff! :) Thanks again.
Dinner walking distance fm 1 Market/Ferry Plaza?
MANY THANKS, Chowhounds, for a fabulous rec.
Our dinner at Boulevard was very good. I'd never been before, and I was not disappointed. I loved the inside of the restaurant - a lot of attention to detail, with the dark wood/tile floor, beautiful mosaic tile on the floor and supporting beams, without feeling overly pretentious or snobby.
We started the experience with two yummy drinks - A Bombay Gin Cucumber infused Martini, and the "Elderflower Tart", which was a concoction of Gin, St. Germain Liqueur, Lemon Juice and Cassis.
Once seated, we had:
Dayboat Sea Scallops in a Corn Bisque,
Ahi Tuna Tartare in Soy, Chile & Pickled Ginger,
and Dungeness Crab Salad w. Persian Lime, cucumber, Green raisin & Watermelon Coriander Aioli.
We split the California White Seabass entree [served w. Fresh Shelling Beans w. Dungeness Crab & Jalapeno corn Cream].
Our favorites were the Ahi Tuna and the Crabmeat salad -- both were so amazingly perfect -- delicious, beautiful, mouth watering.
The scallops were okay - a bit on the small side, a tad overdone [for $17.75, any bit overdone feels substandard, but we were off to a show so didn't want to ask for a redo], and sort of swimming in the corn bisque.
The White Seabass was my least favorite - again, a bit overdone, and a bit lackluster, really. It did nothing for me, and I wouldn't order it again.
THEN, we had the Roasted O'Henry Peach Dessert with Brown Sugar Ice Cream Sandwich and Peach sorbet -- really good. The Sorbet and Ice Cream offset the tartness of the peach perfectly, and it was a perfect end to the meal.
Beyond the couple of "miss" dishes we had, the only complaint I took away was with the service -- the waiter and hostesses were a bit snobby, almost curt.
At the beginning of the evening, tne waiter at the bar popped open a bottle of champagne incorrectly [the cork flew!] - apparently, it was his first day - and they all turned to look at him with distain and ridicule, as if he had spit on a customer or something. Each time we needed water, or something else from our waiter, it felt like we were inconveniencing him. This same aloof, "above it all" attitude came through when we asked if it'd be possible to take home a copy of tonight's menu, as it was a special celebratory dinner for us. He/the hostesses did put menus in an envelope, but with some attitude - it wasn't even clear whether he was to bring them to us, or whether we should get them as we left, so we finally asked the hostesses, and they had to check with him to find that they did have an envelope there -- how difficult would it have been for him to hand the envelope to us? After paying $180 cash for dinner, my husband's thought was maybe they were accustomed to folks spending more. My attitude is that our business is as good as anyone's and a truly classy staff would treat all customers cordially and kindly. perhaps it was an offnight, but it's our only experience from which to draw.
This said, I would not want to discourage others from going for the first time - I'd just forewarn them that the service would be satisfactory, but might not be warm/friendly. I've had good luck at Chez Panisse upstairs in this regard, and at most restaurants I hold in highest regard.
I will return to Boulevard for the amazing food, just with lower expectations about the service.
ps: speaking of excellent service: we actually spent the night in the city at Hotel Vitale, barting in and to the Orpheum [civic ctr exit feeds right out into the theater front door!]. Service at Hotel Vitale was like none other we'd experienced EVER. Every person who worked there was efficient, friendly, and clearly made effort to make guests feel welcome and taken care of. I had mentioned we were there to celebrate our 10th anniversary, and when we arrived, there was a bottle of Chandon waiting. Bed turn-down also included a surprise of rose petals on the bed when we returned from the theatre. Such a rare experience in a hotel for us, I had to mention all of this! We did order room service breakfast, which came from the Americano, and aside from some overdone toast, the wild mushroom/truffle scramble and rock shrimp/tomato/kalamata/caper omelette were delicious.
New To Trader Joe's - Top Faves??? [Moved from General Topics board]
I love that they make the majority their products without transfats or high fructose corn syrup. I love their quick meall options -- meats, marinated meat ready for grilling, precooked carnitas [just heat, add taco fixins' and eat]. Their name brand crackers, frozen meals [the gnocchi with tomato sauce is great], "deli" section stuffed bell peppers, lasagna, and hummus are constants in this household. Like the odwalla-like juice drinks. Also love the maple syrup, and the myriad of Organic products they offer here in California including raisins, trail mix, a ton of fresh produce, as well as milk [even in milk boxes for kids], butter, juice.
Awesome place to buy fresh flowers for your home or as a gift.
And I agree that it's not an easy place to look and pick things up quickly -- give yourself a good amount of time to scope out the landscape and read the descriptions posted by products.
Enjoy!
Dinner walking distance fm 1 Market/Ferry Plaza?
Thanks so much for the excellent input, everyone.
Boulevard sounds good -- I did call to make reservations but they're booked until 9:45 p.m. They said they welcome walk-ins, so my plan is to get there at 5 p.m. before they even start seating to be in line. Anyone tried to walk-in on a Saturday, early and had seating problems?
If we can't get in, sounds like 1 Market is also a good option. UNLESS folks here strongly recommend a different plan B. I like the idea of just walking somewhere from the hotel b/c we've got to leave for the Orpheum no later than 7:30, and it just simplifies things to not have to travel around so much in a short period of time when I'm not familiar with street directions, etc.
And, some humble input on the Zuni topic -- years ago, I had been there once for brunch and was underwhelmed by what both my father and I had - he had something on the tradiitional side, and I think I had something like french toast [which as I recall, was overcooked]. We had heard so much buzz about the place, that I frankly, didn't get what all the fervor was about. But I'm willing to try it again someday, just not for this special occasion. I also had a similar experience years ago with Greens -- had heard lots of good things about it, but the food was not as yummy as I wanted it to be, and I actually did go there twice.
Thanks again. Will report back on where we end up eating and how the food was...
-Tina
Dinner walking distance fm 1 Market/Ferry Plaza?
My husband and I get to get away [from mom/dad duty] for the first time in two years for an SF overnight. Going to be staying downtown Saturday night, close to Ferry Plaza / 1 Market Plaza.
It's been a long, long time since we've had the chance to eat in the city. Any good [romantic/yummy] places to eat in walking distance there?
Thanks in advance,
Tina
recs for anniversary dinner besides va de vi or chez panisse?
Thanks so much for the suggestions! We ended up at Lalime
We went at 6 p.m., which was nice because it was not too busy yet [by the time we left at 7:30, the place was packed]. We had excellent service -our server Angela was friendly, warm, and gave good recs.
We opted to split appetizers and go for two desserts instead of getting main courses.
Highlights for us were the Tomato bisque with chevre puff pastry and a Poblano Chile stuffed with zucchini, sweet corn and a fromage blanc sauce and then the Plum and Peach sorbets. Fresh, delicious, summer fare - every bite perfectly cooked, perfectly seasoned. We also liked the El Diablo cocktail [tequila, chambord, lime juice, ginger ale], but the mojito was heavy on the rum for me [though I am a lightweight these days].
We weren't as thrilled with the pricey heirloom tomato salad [at $9.50 we were crazy to order it, but we couldn't resist wondering if they'd do something unique ], or the Grilled quail with poached figs and serrano ham [too sweet - the figs tasted like they had hoisin sauce on them. yuck.]
All in all, a good meal, and a lovely anniversary celebration.
-Tina
recs for anniversary dinner besides va de vi or chez panisse?
Husband and I celebrating our 10th anniversary tomorrow and want to have a special dinner. Would love to go somewhere we haven't been in the Contra Costa or Berkeley/Oakland or Lafayette area. Where would you go?
recs for nutrititious soup or food that's delivered in s.f.?
my aunt is sick with fever and chills and i'd love to have some soup delivered to her door. she lives on franklin/ellis, and we live about an hour away, so am looking for any recs y'all have for any yummy deliver to your door "get well soon" kind of eats...
thanks in advance!
What to buy at Miette?
Is there anything yummy at Miette? What would you buy there with a gift certificate?
Received a gift certificate for $25 for Miette. Looking at past posts, I'm thinking I'll be avoiding the cupcakes and cakes, and maybe trying the macaroons. The macaroon review was two years ago, though, so don't know if those are still made well.
Anyone tried ANYTHING yummy there recently?
any caviar afficiandos out there? need help!
A friend is coming to town next week who LOVES caviar. I'd like to buy some as a gift for his birthday, but know NOTHING about where or what to buy. I'd like to keep the total price of the gift under $50.
What should I buy for someone who loves it [I know this is akin to asking what wine to buy someone -- but recs from folks who love it on this board are bound to be better than a rec from a random store employee]. He's not finicky - loves sushi grade roe as well as the more expensive beluga.
HELP! Any brands/types/big store suppliers as well as internet sites you can recommend would be great - I won't be able to get to a specialty shop -- that is, except for the Ferry Plaza one [my partner works close to it and can go during lunch break]
Any thoughts about the Caviar store in the Ferry Market Plaza in SF? Is it overpriced?
Thanks in advance!
Recs for Dinner in Saratoga [before concert at Mtn Winery]?
thanks for the ideas! any experience at/thoughts about sent sovi?
Recs for Dinner in Saratoga [before concert at Mtn Winery]?
A friend and I are going to a 7:30 p.m. concert in Saratoga at the Mtn Winery Wednesday... Would love to get a yummy [early] dinner in before the concert somewhere close to the venue. Suggestions? We won't want to go to over the top fancy since we'll be in outdoor concert clothes/mood, but would be willing to do "nice"...
Restaurant recs for dinner in Saratoga?
Next Wednesday I'm going with a friend to Mountain Winery for a 7:30 p.m. concert and we want to catch a yummy dinner before getting to the venue. Anyone been/ know of a good place to eat near there [Saratoga or close by?]
