benjieats's Profile
Bing Crosby in Walnut Creek
More style than substance. Which is a bit of the problem with all of the Dudum places- Bing Crosby's, McCovey's, Maria Maria. It just appears they think up a good idea for a restaurant put lot's of money into it and then, a few weeks before opening, they realize they need to serve food.
50th birthday celebration in Kauai
I would recommend The Beach House. Call early and ask for a sunset reso. The food is excellent especially considering the wonderful view which is usually not the case.
You will love the Hyatt. It is awesome. I wouldn't bother with the restaurants there as there are too many local places worth checking out though few are as fancy.
Look up these places- Duane's Ono Char Burger, Kountry Kitchen, Hanalei Gourmet, Coconuts (my personal favorite), Koloa Fish Market. All are great causual places.
Slow Food Nation not-to-miss?
I really don't understand the huge backlash against this event. The people we buy cookbooks from and whose restaurants we dine in are now "pompous and privileged?" I don't get it.
Maybe this isn't the best analogy but how is this different from Macworld? A group of people trying to educate and excite others about a product or way of thinking.
Slow Food Nation not-to-miss?
I think you may be right. The items at the Civic Center sound like the same things we already enjoy at our local farmers markets and specialty stores. The Taste event sounds more what I am interested in.
That ticket price doesn't really make sense to me but I did go to a wine tasting that was nearly that expensive. I recall that was for charity though...?
Best stuck-in-the-past restaurants?
I checked out the fried chicken on a recommendation and thought it was pretty darn good. The price kept me from going back. It is a cool place, though.
NEW: Tara's Organic Ice Cream, Berkeley - anyone try it?
Not just why Berkeley but why three blocks from Ici? Maybe they wanted to capitalize on the success of Ici? Seems so silly though. Gelato Milano opened up next to Naia and it ended with Gelato Milano closing. They were never as busy as Naia despite what the owner said.
It seems obvious that there are soon going to be too many fro-yo places but will there soon be too many gourmet ice cream places, too?
Best Cappucino in Bay Area
I agree about Cafe Fanny having a consistently good cappuccino but I really don't like the parking lot experience. Place drives me nuts.
Kauai Wedding Dinner for 22 - Recommendations?
What part of the island? This is an important question.
Plantation Gardens in Poipu would be a good bet. It is important to pick a place that is used to having large parties and they host a lot of wedding dinners there.
