rjf's Profile
Best Sushi Open on Sunday in Berkeley/N Oakland?
A friend from out of town is visiting and really wants to go to sushi tonight. The problem is that all the top rated places (Uzen, Sushi Sho, O Chame, etc) are closed on Sunday. Any recommendations? How's Mitama? I'd prefer something not super expensive but it doesn't have to be dirt cheap either. And I'd love a place with some sense of atmosphere as I haven't seen her in years and would like to have a leisurely dinner. Thanks!
Bay Area grocery shopping rant - is something missing?
No way! I went to Whole Foods the other day and it was like $1 more for juice 1/2 gallons, eggs, cheese milk, etc.
Mid-range restaurant for birthday in East Bay
I've done it on the cheap at Pizzaiolo- split a salad, split a cheaper pizza, one glass of wine each and you're at about $20/person. Of course, it's not ideal :)
Love Ajanta but I go there all the time. But I haven't been to the others- I'll look into them- thanks!
Mid-range restaurant for birthday in East Bay
Hi- A friend of mine is taking me out for dinner for my birthday but she has just started working again after months of unemployment and doesn't have a lot of money to spare. We're coming up blank with not-so-expensive places that would still feel special. I can only think of either pricier restaurants or cheap dives. Can anyone suggest a nice, cozy, fun place where we can get good food and wine for less than $20-$25/person (including drinks, tax, tip) in Berkeley/Oakland/Albany? I'd say Pizzaiolo but lucky me just went there the other night. Thanks!
Question about French Laundry Reservation
Thanks everyone for your input. Opentable says it wasn't a computer error and that the restaurants control their spots so I'm just going to assume all is well and not stress out about it. I'm really looking forward to it!
Question about French Laundry Reservation
Thanks jsaimd and sirregular. Just sent Opentable an email, although on their site they say that all FL questions should go straight to the restaurant itself so I'm worried they'll just refer me back to them. We'll see!
Question about French Laundry Reservation
Hi Chowhounders, I have a question and thought maybe you all could help me out. I somehow (miraculously) got a reservation at French Laundry through Opentable.com. Opentable says that they only book 2 parties of 4 people a night for French Laundry through their site, one at 5:30pm and one at 9:15pm. The reservation they offered me was at 6:30pm for a table of 4.
My co-worker was telling me a story of her friend's father, who got a FL reservation, confirmed on their answering machine ahead of time, flew up from LA, got a hotel room for the night and everything, only to be told he had no reservation once he arrived. So now I'm paranoid.
I tried calling FL but they are closed through January 17th, which is only a few days before my reservation. I feel doubtful I will be able to get through once they reopen due to the high volume of calls. I left a message on their reservation hotline asking them to confirm with me that my reservation is booked but I also feel doubtful I will get a response for the same reason.
So my question is such- Have you ever booked a table with French Laundry through Opentable only to have them deny it when you arrive? Or is the info on Opentable (about 5:30 and 9:15 only) old and perhaps they are booking for other times as well now? Am I worrying for naught?
Thanks. I'm just really excited about this and want to make plans (confirm with friends, book a hotel, etc) and don't want to go through all that only to arrive and be turned down.
Dinner in Alameda Tonight (Santa Clara at Webster)
Does anyone have a recommendation for a place to eat dinner tonight in Alameda? I've only been to the island a handful of times and don't know the restaurants there at all. We'll be around Santa Clara Ave by Webster Street so somewhere close to that is good although other ideas are also welcome. One of us is vegetarian and although we want something a little nicer than just grabbing a slice or a burrito, we don't want fine dining. Maybe plates priced up to $15? A wine list would be great too. Thanks!
Your favorite Bay Area bread
Another vote for Acme. Also I really love The Cheeseboard and Arizmendi's City and Suburban loaves.
Berkeley/Oakland, dinner for 14, somewhere not too loud?
What about Los Cantaros on Grand Avenue in Oakland? I've fit a group of about 10-15 there before. Not organic but really yummy Mexican food. I wouldn't call it quiet but I've never noticed it to be very loud either.
Breads of India on Sacramento at Dwight also has large tables but they don't take reservations so it could be hard to get 14 people in there. I'm pretty sure they use organic when they can.
Quick bite in El Cerrito?
I have about 1/2 hour to grab dinner in El Cerrito and don't know the area very well. I'll be in the vicinity of San Pablo Ave between El Cerrito Plaza and Central Ave. Any suggestions? I know there is a Trader Joe's in the plaza and would rather not pick something up there. Thanks!
Recommendations on what to eat at Aziza
Hi-
Going to Aziza tomorrow night for the first time and I'm very excited. I know the menu changes but has anyone been there recently and have recommendations on what I should order? What are your favorites there? Thanks!
Romantic Dinner for 2, Suggestions Please!
I recommend Chez Spencer. It's got a beautiful little courtyard (heated with strong heat lamps, although with this crazy weather it might still be too cold) and absolutely delicious food. Plus the owner and wait staff are great. I always recommend it to friends celebrating anniversaries and they always love it. I'd think you'd be able to get a reservation, no problem.
Fun Date Spot in East Bay
Hi- My sweetie and I are looking for a fun date place for tomorrow night. We are trying to beat the winter blahs so we want somewhere lively. She is a veggie who eats fish. I eat anything but beef. We were thinking about Cesar. What do you all think? Cesar? Other suggestions?
New Year Eve Dinner in Carmel
Hi- thanks for the suggestions so far. Just found out we'll actually be staying in Carmel Valley. Don't mind the drive to Carmel or PG for dinner but if there's anything good in Carmel Valley, please share!
New Year Eve Dinner in Carmel
We're heading down to Carmel Valley for New Year's Eve weekend and I wanted recommendations on where we should eat on New Year's Eve itself. We can't afford anything *too* expensive (maybe $100 for the two of us?) and something festive would be nice. I searched the board and Bouchee seems recommended. What do you all think?
Dinner tonight, alone, San Francisco
Delfina is wonderful and I'd definitely recommend eating there although I'm not sure it would be the best "solo" experience. The tables are close together and once while waiting for a friend, I felt like I was inadvertantly eavesdropping on my neighbors coversation by sitting there silently. Haven't been to Pizzeria Delfina yet but I heard its great.
I love Blue Plate. They use local, seasonal produce (and meats) so you're getting the best the Bay Area has to offer. Zuni is one of my favs too.
At Foreign Cinema you can sit and watch the movie as you eat which might be a great solo dinner.
There's lots of great sushi around if you want to sit at the bar and gouge yourself. Ebisu comes to mind, although it gets crowded. Check out this board for other recommendations.
Some other favorites of mine that I can see dining alone at are Suriya (Thai), Tu Lan (Vietnamese) or House of Nan King (Chinese).
Happy eating!
Favorite Places to Eat in Oakland's Chinatown
So many places to eat- help me narrow it down! I often go to lunch in Oakland's Chinatown and want to mix it up. What are your favorite places? I'm looking for anything... dim sum, pho, bakeries, etc.
Best Brunch in Back Bay/South End
Where is your favorite spot for weekend brunch in the Back Bay/South End and why?
Looking for a yummy brunch when I'm in town next week. I like that nice balance of unique takes on traditional breakfast fare. Thanks!
Good lunch in West Oakland?
I'm working at a new job in West Oakland, at 3rd and Adeline specifically, and I've been hitting the taco truck far too often. I'm wondering if anyone has any good lunch recommendations in the area. I'm close to Jack London, which is probably my best bet, but parking can be such a pain so I'd love ideas for places that aren't in Jack London... same for downtown Oakland. Can you think of any places that aren't in traffic congested areas and are easy to swing by and pick up lunch? And cheap is good too!
In a seperate question, when I do feel like venturing into downtown Oakland for lunch, where is your favorite place for a Vietnamese sandwich in Chinatown?
Thanks!
Looking for Best Mission Burrito in SF.
I don't think they steam their tortillas but Papolote, on 24th St at Valencia, can I post about it enough?
It's Your Last Meal on Earth: You have $20 and are in SF...
Hands down, a super prawn burrito with refried black beans at Papolote on 24th at Valencia. Then I'd go to Tartine for dessert.
Good restaurant near 11th Street and Howard, with veggie option?
There used to be a good salad/burger place right on Howard at either 11th or 12th a few years ago. I used to eat there for lunch all the time when I worked there but now I can't remember the name (Cafe something or other). When you walk in, on the right there is a salad bar and they also have a grill where they do great veggie burgers and sandwiches as well. Sorry I can't be more specific but maybe someone else knows what I'm talking about.
Vietnamese on South Shore
Thanks everyone! We did go to Pho Yuen Dong and had a great dinner. If you are ever in the San Francisco Bay Area and need some recommendations, feel free to ask me!
Vietnamese on South Shore
I think its called Pho Yuen Dong. I might try it if I don't get any other recommendations before we go. Thanks!
Vietnamese on South Shore
I'm visiting my parents from California and we really want Vietnamese! Can anyone recommend a good place for dinner tonight on the South Shore (Quincy perhaps?) Thanks!
