anyhow's Profile
Best Dim Sum In SF
I agree on both points. For a different and more difficult experience (street parking, no reservations = waiting on sidewalk), I enjoy Hong Kong Lounge on Geary near 17th. If pressed to state "best in my opinion", Yank Sing.
Just moved to Mountain View from New York. Help an east coast hound find his new favorite haunts!
Friday nights are crazy busy...but fun...at Fiesta del Mar Too on Villa Street, one half block from Castro. In addition to a wide menu, they have a staggering variety of tequilas and produce memorable margaritas (at least the first is briefly memorable in a good way). I have tried dozens of sit-down Mexican restaurants within 20 miles and consider this superior to the competition. Ask for your order the way you want...that way they will know and adjust for your pleasure. ¡Salud!
Yang BBQ aka Chef Yang's, New in Cupertino Village
I am not sure when I can check out Yang's (by whatever name), I hope it will be soon. I will post a report then.
I had to write to say I'm happy your family enjoyed your dinner at Joy Luck Palace and happy to see that restaurant mentioned in a favorable light. Thank you.
Just moved to Mountain View from New York. Help an east coast hound find his new favorite haunts!
We all have our preferences/favorites and mine is the less frequently mentioned Los Altos Taqueria, located kitty-corner from La Costena. This completes "the burrito triangle" and has never disappointed since they opened about 15 years ago.
For coffee beans, I like Graffeo, the storefronts in North Beach (SF) and San Rafael (have not been in years) are a cool throwback to an earlier time -- no coffee drinks are available -- only beans or ground to your order. You can try this product from the self-serve bins at Draeger's Market in Los Altos, then order online, by phone, or at the store.
Fishmongers: Cooks Seafood in Menlo Park is fantastic, for fresh products, advice, and service.
Let us know how this adventure goes, please.
Thai / Korean in or near Mountain View?
Blue Mango in San Jose is the #1 choice of my son who has lived in Thailand for many years. When he and his Thai-born wife visited, they decided that Blue Mango was the most authentic and familiar of all the Thai restaurants they sampled, from San Diego to Seattle.
Blue Mango: http://www.bluemangocuisine.com
635 Coleman Ave
San Jose, CA 95110
Thai / Korean in or near Mountain View?
I had lunch with my family at Tommy Thai and we liked their preparations of salads, noodles, and fish cake (appetizer). Super friendly and helpful service and the chef gave small dishes of sauces for us to try. We sampled only a fraction of the menu and will be happy to return soon for more choices.
Looking for a good cake in the South Bay (Palo Alto to San Jose)
You might call Sugar Butter Flour bakery. They have stores in Sunnyvale and Campbell. Quality is great and service is friendly and helpful. I think they will make the special cake you want for your son's birthday. Good luck!
http://www.sugarbutterflour.com/products/cakes.htm
Thai / Korean in or near Mountain View?
I have not yet tried this place, but my co-worker recommended it today -- we will try it soon. If you are feeling adventurous, here is a new place, between Shoreline and El Monte:
Tommy Thai Express
1482 W El Camino Real, Mountain View, CA 94040
(650) 988-6857
Please report if you do try it -- we are going back for a final party at Cafe Yulong tonight.
Cafe Yulong in Mountain View is closing
Cafe Yulong will close after dinner service on Sunday, 4/29/12. Dinner last night was wonderful and the front dining room was 80% full at 7 p.m.
Still no sign in windows...continuing their dignified presence to the end it seems. I hope many Chowhounds will come here for a meal before this place is gone. Cafe Yulong deserves it.
Edited to correct date to 4/29/12 (thank you, drewskiSF)
Quick San Tung Report [San Francisco]
I have enjoyed a few meals at San Dong House on Geary at Arguello. Noodles are well made to order, dumplings are varied and tasty, skewers are addictive.
I missed the glory days of San Tung, I guess, but prefer the casual-and-delicious experience of San Dong House.
Any other comparisons?
Good Japanese/Asian Store in Berkeley, San Jose or Santa Clara?
San Jose Japantown has a half dozen gifts / arts / housewares shops + many small restaurants for a wide range of Japanese food styles. 10 minute drive from SJC and loads of parking (unless you go on a festival day). Very informative historical markers make the community accessible to visitors.
south bay bbq?
+1 for Trail Dust in Morgan Hill.
Sam's is the "just-OK" place where my old co-workers meet up. I loved the old Andy's and like the new location. Did they tone down their preparations to suit the larger, maybe-less devoted crowd they serve now?
Major disappointments: Texas Smokehouse, Smoking Pig, Blue Rock, Harold's Ribs (most wished for as it's closest to home), Mac's BBQ, JC's Famous.
South Bay - giantic to-do list in progress
I liked looking through your list and map -- you are off to a great start and I will benefit from your loving effort. So, I want to give a suggestion for a Mexican restaurant in San Jose. This is a small spot offering delicious food. From comments you've made on your map, I think you will like it. Thanks again ~
La Peñita
601 S 1st St
San Jose, CA 95113
Some place for Sunday lunch between SFO and Mt. View please
I think the Mayfield Bakery Café in Palo Alto's Town and Country Village would be my top choice.
http://www.mayfieldbakery.com/
smart phones @ bay area restaurants [moved from San Francisco board]
I've enjoyed reading others' replies ... and that has helped me to formulate my thoughts about this situation. I have an old-guy feeling that blends what I wish and what I expect.
I've been using portable phones since they came in shoulder bags with curly cords. I don't want others to hear my conversation, so I don't use my phone in public situations -- especially not places that I enjoy more when it is quiet -- restaurants top the list. Applying the "Golden Rule", I wish others would allow me to hear the dinner music or the silence that fosters a peaceful time (for me).
As to the screen-time issue, I don't use my smartphone during meals. I can wait for another time to search for information. And, I know that I will be happier by concentrating on my companions and our shared time. I won't bother you if you need to use your device while I'm dining. If we are dining together, I will ask you to allow me to have your companionship with minimal distraction.
I would gladly support restaurants creating no-device zones. Enjoy life your way!
In dire need of an East Coast Jewish Deli!
And you can order for overnight delivery from Langer's. Don't forget to order a loaf of their rye bread too.
http://www.langersdeli.com/langers-by-air for details
2012 - Recommend dim sum place - Peninsula or South Bay
Like to go today late morning, can you recommend any "new" places? Actually new or recently improved? We would like to avoid MSG, but realize that is only a hope.
Thanks in advance.
We are considering, from our longtime favorite list: Joy Luck Place or Dynasty Seafood in Cupertino; Asian Pearl in Millbrae.
Where to buy fresh, shelled lobster?
Have you contacted Cook's Seafood in Menlo Park? Their record is 100% for us, but I cannot say if the shelled lobster is available now.
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Cook's Seafood Restaurant & Market
751 El Camino Real, Menlo Park, CA 94025
Suggestions for Chinese New Year Party for 12 near Palo Alto?
Thank you for your suggestion. We have enjoyed several meals at Da Sichuan and feel that some of our guests might be uncomfortable by the challenge of spicy food. Perhaps I am not giving them the chance to try new experiences ...
Thank you, I am happy to see Da Sichuan recommended again.
Suggestions for Chinese New Year Party for 12 near Palo Alto?
Thank you for these great ideas. Due to time and work issues, we won't be hosting at home but going to a restaurant instead. We have chosen Hunan Home's in Los Altos. I will be happy to bring your suggestions and order their versions for our group. Again, thanks.
Suggestions for Chinese New Year Party for 12 near Palo Alto?
For dinner on Saturday, 2/4/12, we will be a mildly adventurous group and eager to learn about Chinese culture.
Please make any suggestions and we will be grateful all year. Thank you -- Howard
Draeger's Kobe beef Pastrami
I stopped at the Los Altos store this morning -- tried and bought this new delicacy. OMG,
I agree with cheesecakeking, this is *the best* in the area. I've only enjoyed it at deli-cooler and room temperatures, so the joy of heated fat still awaits.
Thank you for this pointer! btw, I agree with wolfe also; this is far less than importing from Langer's by overnight FedEx.
Dumpling Party for my office
You can find good dumplings at Cafe Yulong on Dana Street in downtown MV. I cannot say anything about catering/delivery since I have only dined in the restaurant.
They serve several varieties: fish and leek, shrimp, pork, XLB, and either steamed or pan-fried potstickers. In addition, they make some as daily specials. Perhaps they would make other varieties for your order -- the staff are very cordial and helpful.
Good luck
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Cafe Yulong
743 W Dana St, Mountain View, CA 94041
Recommendations for baby shower site near Palo Alto
Thank you for your ideas. We will check out the suggested places and keep the list for future reference. To our surprise, another family member offered to host the event in her home. End of search for this baby's shower. Again, thank you .
Recommendations for baby shower site near Palo Alto
Looking for brunch or lunch on Friday, following Thanksgiving, for about 30 people.
I have no good ideas yet. Please suggest anywhere you would consider. THANKS.
Santa Clara/Sunnyvale/mountain view recs - good stuff at low prices
For taqueria sampling, try Los Altos Taqueria, the 3rd point on the Burrito Triangle at Rengstorff and Old Middlefield Road in MV. All the taco and burrito choices you might expect, plus a wide menu of plates, soups, seafood dishes. Crispy carnitas and incredible simmered chicken are my favorite ingredients for tacos.
Rose International Market, Castro St., across El Camino Real from downtown MV, has Persian foods -- grocery, deli, and the food bargain of the Peninsula, kebabs cooked over mesquite coals.
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Rose International Market
1060 Castro St, Mountain View, CA 94040
Los Altos Taqueria
2105 Old Middlefield Way Ste E, Mountain View, CA 94043
Recommendation for southern Peninsula Thai for dinner?
We would like to try some new places that 'hounds have enjoyed. Please share your Thai restaurants and any dishes you feel are "must-haves."
Redwood City to Santa Clara? Thanks in advance ~
Pancakes in Lower Peninsula
Original Pancake House
420 South San Antonio Road, Los Altos, CA 94022-3631 (650) 559-9197 originalpancakehouse.com
I think the pancakes surpass all other local options,..variety is almost unbelievable, service is attentive, families with children of all ages (in all types of strollers, chairs, etc.) are welcome and accommodated. Is this an upscale gourmet discovery? No, but I have found pancakes are rarely special in those settings. And waffles, crepes, omelettes offer alternatives. Coffee not the high point of the meal. Hope you try and enjoy.
Best Thai in Sunnyvale, Santa Clara or San Jose - need help for tonight!
Hope this is timely. Blue Mango is great, and considered the most authentic place in California by my son and his Thai wife. Whenever they visit, they want their touch of home at
Blue Mango.
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Blue Mango
4996 Stevens Creek Blvd, San Jose, CA 95129
Napoletana Pizzeria, Mountain View
Last Friday night, we had two pizzas and caesar salad -- completely successful, with no need to apologize for first week issues.
Margherita and Quattro Formaggi pizzas were stunningly good, from the charred crust to the delicately balanced toppings. Salad was normal until the caesar dressing brought the lettuce, croutons, and cheese to a sublime confection.
With no additional comments on the other area pizza shops, this one is THE ONE FOR ME.
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Napoletana Pizzeria
1910 W El Camino Real, Mountain View, CA 94040
