lukenavarro's Profile
Gualala Trip
I recently stayed in Gualala for one night, my experiences are here http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/532194
Monterey for French foodie relatives - Help!
For breakfast try Katie's in Carmel, great little local place, awesome food, owner always greets you at the door. Warning, you will wait.
Roadtrip!
If your want to try Santa Maria style, Jocko's is a good choice. Long waits though. I am sure you know but just in case Santa Maria style specializes in Tri-Tip cooked to temp. Beans on the side.
The best carne asada in Soledad
or the cost of good food.
When I first moved to Soledad I began a systematic analysis of all the mexican places in town, specifically to find the best beans and carne asada. One day I was talking about my findings with a group of friends when one of them said, "You missed the best burrito in town, if you willing to risk it." Risk it! Turns out that Pacheco Market has a small counter that serves great food that will turn the average stomach inside out every other burrito or so.
So one afternoon when the wife and kids were out of town I decided to risk it. Walking into Pacheco's feels just like walking into a market in just about any small town in Mexico, it is cramped, very dark, smells of slightly off fish and meat and is crammed full of people all happily lined up to eat at the counter in the back.
I watched for a moment to discover the local rules of the place then stepped up and ordered, in Spanish, and was served a burrito and a side of beans. I took it home, just in case.
The food was very good, just a hair above the second best carne asada in town but still not reaching the mythical flavors of my great uncle's taco stand in Obregon. No effect on the stomach.
Just a note, Pacheco was indicted a few years back for running an illicit pharmacy and packing more than a few weapons. Doesn't effect the quality of the food though.
Restaurant at Monterey Bay Aquarium
If you ever have the opportunity to visit off season take it, especially now that you are a member. Summer in Monterey is always very busy, but during the winter the area is pretty well empty. You get the opportunity to spend some time watching the animals, to get to know their behaviors. It's awful fun.
Unfortunately I haven't found any dining choices in the immediate area of the aquarium that aren't over-priced and under-quality. The aquarium serves good food, but it can be expensive and a bit chaotic. Nearest are Archie's American Diner which has all the potential in the world but for me has always fallen short on flavor and will cost $15 a person for burgers and dogs. Bubba Gump's is close and worth going to once, if only for the kitsch.
Beyond that the restaurants proliferate, many are good but also a touch too expensive. There are also several very good places if you want to go upscale, Duck Club, Whaling Station, etc.
If you travel up to lighthouse, you'll find the choices beginning to get a bit more local. Try Hula's if you like authentic Tiki, food is okay, drinks are the best tiki you'll find north of Tiki-ti and south of Trader Vics. (Okay I have lost track of myself now, time to stop rambling.)
Northern California Road Food
Report Concluded
Day Three
Morning in Santa Rosa gave me some choices. One of which was Willy Bird's. A turkey joint. That serves breakfast. I had too. As it turns out, turkey is not really a breakfast food, but the place was fun. Turkey fried steak was a patty of ground turkey flavored with sage, tough as all get out. Willy Bird's Breakfast - 5/10.
Now I was on 101 barreling toward home, not planning to stop for a want to see my kids and wife but in Gilroy gas and hot dogs called me off the road. A&W stand hot dogs, big glass of root bear. Good anytime. A&W 7/10.
I rolled into home mid-afternoon, happy for the experience, wiser with regard to road eating and in serious need of fruits and vegetables.
Northern California Road Food
Report Continued - Day Two
The next morning I woke up and set off along what I think must be the most beautiful road I have ever seen. About an hour later I was hungry and excited, I had arrived in Elk and was looking forward to a breakfast at Queenie's. As soon as I saw the place I knew there was trouble. A closer look proved out my worries. Closed until further notice. [Insert series of expletives here] It turn's out that the woman who runs Queenie's has fallen ill and the town is hopeful she will be back in time. Queenie's may have been closed but I was still hungry and since I had no idea when I would come to another twon I began to reconnoiter. I found one restaurant, some vaguely named cafe. Reluctantly I entered. I am tempted to describe my entire experience but to do so would just be mean. Suffice it to say that I had stumbled into the breakfast end of a B&B and was faced with a breakfast buffet. Random semi-un-named cafe - 2/10
I moved north from Elk and soon found myself in the midst of fire. The smoke was miserable, I am so sorry for those who live in the affected areas. The fires altered my path and for lunch I found myself in Willits. My intention in Willits was to eat fast and get out of the smoke but as I rode into town I found Vassar Family Pizza, one of those perfect places filled with red vinyl seating, dark wood, green glass and honest pizza. I had to stop in. I ordered up a mini pepperoni and sausage, a loaf of garlic bread and I big ol' glass of root bear. At that moment, having ridden through two hours of acrid, tear inducing smoke, it was perfect. Vasser Family Pizza - 9/10.
My detour led me back through Mendocino, but the crowds turned me away from eating there. I continued on along the Navarro river, stopping in at a well named winery. My day rolled to a close in Santa Rosa. I had to do it... Johnnie Garlic's. It was surprisingly good. In style akin to any chain restaurant, but with food and service several steps up. I had a Mojito Chicken that was very nice. The chicken was juicy and well seasoned, the glaze playing a ncie counterpoint to the spice. You can tell a lot about a place from it's veg and at Johnnie Garlic's the veg was perfect, flavorful with a pleasant toothsomeness and plenty of butter. The service was excellent, a welcome respite from the mindless drones that all too often populate the casual dining experience. Johnnie Garlic's = 8/10
Northern California Road Food
I am back from my three day ride up along the Northern California coast and I thought I would report in my food adventures.
Day One
Day one I made my way up from Monterey past Santa Cruz, lunchtime landed me at Duarte's in Pescadero. First off the place was packed, since I was traveling alone I bypassed the wait and sidled up to the counter. The feel of Duarte's is that of an old authentic seaside tavern, gruff but kindhearted proprietor included. I ordered a plate of fried oysters, not quite the season but I could smell the water so I figured I'd give them a shot. They were good, full bodied, very tender, maybe a bit too mild in flavor. Next came a good loaf of crunchy sourdough followed soon by a bowl of cream of asparagus soup. The soup was nice, creamy and sweet with asparagus flavor. Next I came to my first major decision on the road, should I order the cioppino? It was very large and expensive and since I was traveling alone much of it would go to waste. So instead I ordered a BLT which was as ever satisfying. I knew halfway through the sandwich though that I had made a mistake, I made up my mind then and there to order with abandon for the rest of the trip. Over all Duarte's - 8/10.
I rode hard for the rest of the day, happily bypassing San Francisco and heading north up the coast. As the weather rolled in and my backside began to inform me that my day of riding was over I came across the town of Gualala. Soon I saw the Surf Motel, parking lot lined with motorcycles, this was the place for me. They have no food, but if you are every staying in Gualala and want a place on the cheap, the Surf Motel is your game. Super nice rooms, amenities and people. When I asked the proprietor where to eat, he looked me over and said, "Go to Bones, up the road a half mile." A few minutes later I was walking into Bone's Roadhouse. First off, not a roadhouse, but that's not a big deal. This was a BBQ joint with a weird pirate motif. Yarr pirates. I ordered up an enormous plate of brisket, st. louis ribs and links. The ribs were excellent, nicely crusted, no sauce (as ribs should be) and tooth tender. The brisket was also good, though it tasted more of tri-tip than brisket. The links seemed bought in. As for sides I got a piece of corn bread that I only manage my requisite two bites of before I decided that it wasn't fit to eat and beans that followed suit. Overall Bones - 6/10.
La Plaza Bakery & Cafe, Greenfield
For me the defining element in any Mexican place is the beans and at La Plaza they are "just right." Not to salty, a good balance of flavor, good texture. The carne asada is the best in town. (Well not quite but that is a different adventure if you dare it!!!) The carnitas is good, fish tacos have some quality control issues, chile verde is nice. One little oddity is that they make their quesadillas with Mozzarella cheese, my kids love it.
La Plaza Bakery & Cafe, Greenfield
I live in Soledad just up the freeway from Greenfield. There is another incarnation of La Plaza here. I order a misc. dozen from them every week and on average the pastries are passable. (Realize though that most hispanic pastries are under-sweet and over-dry for most palates) Where La Plaza really shines is their Tacos, Burritos, Tortas and the like. There must be a dozen places to get tacos in Soledad and La Plaza is the best by some distance.
Northern California Road Food
Awesome, just the kind of place I am looking for. Marked it on the map. Thank you.
Northern California Road Food
Next week I am taking a three day ride through Northern California. I'll be starting off just south of Monterey, heading north up the Coast past San Francisco (I don't want to eat in SF) then north up the coast through Mendocino. Next onto Eureka and out to Shasta. Back south through Ukiah, Clearlake, Santa Rosa. Finally home back down 101.
I'll be on the back of a bike and travelling light so I am really looking for some road food, local and honest. Any recommendations?
Best Taco Shops In San Diego...
The best taco shop I have ever been to (short of my great uncle's taco stand in Hermosillo) is Adalberto's on Rosecrans. Ate there 3+ times a week while I was in college. California Burritos are great, so are the rolled tacos. Carne Asada chips are my favorites. But what set them apart from the rest are the beans, perfect flavor and texture.
