I am taking my elderly (86) mother to Seattle for a quick get away this weekend and I'd appreciate some recommendations for dinners. We'll have 3 nights. She will eat lots of things but does not like overly fancy food and is not very, very adventurous. Seafood, steak, good Asian (but not sushi). Price point is not an issue but we'd love some place we don't have to dress up. She can walk for a few blocks, and we might get a wheelchair, and can also take taxis.

I'd love some recommendations right around the Hotel Andra, where we will stay.

Many thanks, foodies with parents!

Thanks so much for helpful suggestions, everyone!

I am traveling in from out of town and coincidentally have a 21 year old nephew at the same time. He is not themost adventurous eater but appreciates good steak, Italian, French, or Asian ethnic, etc. On the other hand, he doesn't appreciate food enough for me to spend lots and lots of money for his dinner. I have to be at an event at the Royalton right before. Will also be with two older and more adventurous eaters. Thoughts about restaurants relatively nearby?

Many thanks,
Foodgirl

My group is hosting an informal gathering next week in a space near Mission & Steuart. We'll bring in drinks and only want appetizers for about 30 to 40. Does anyone have any recommendations for a caterer or restaurant for take out/delivery? Open to any kind of food.

Thanks.

I just took a class with Dolores in March and must admit I was a little bewildered. The food was generally okay, but not Mexican at all, and certainly not authentic Mexican. It started with an appetizer that included premade and formed tortillas, ground beef seasoned with a prepackaged taco seasoning and premelted cheese in a box (made by Hellmans).

Dolores is quite fun and spirited and knowledgeable about markets in the area. If you are spending a lot of time in PV, she would certainly be a good resource as an ex-pat. But if you are already a skilled cook looking to increase your cooking knowledge or knowledge of cuisine specific to PV or Mexico, I would recommend you explore other options.

My family and I are going on a heritage trip to China and will be staying in the Toisan/Taishan region (Garden Phoenix Hotel) of Southern China while we visit ancestral villages.

We will be in Guangzhou directly before this for a few days, staying at the White Swan.

Any restaurant recommendations?

Many thanks for any advice.

If you're in Sonoma, go to a restaurant with Fig and Girl in the name. It's right in the Square, funky-nice, really well priced for what you get, and offers lovely wine flights that are very reasonable.

A few places come to mind, but none with tremendously fabulous food.

Milano on Grand Avenue in Lake Merritt area of Oakland has a private room. I don't know how much they charge. Zza's, down the street, is very kid friendly, but I don't think they have a private room.

Grand Oak has been written about here previously. Very decent, well-priced American (steaks, etc.), with a private room in back. They might make you share it, but it's kid-friendly and low key.

There is a Mexican restaurant on E12th at 5th, the name of which I cannot remember, which doesn't have a private room, but has space that would accommodate your numbers and is fine, though, again, not fancy.

If you want nice food and fancier ambience, Lalime in Berkeley on Gilman, has a private room, full bar, lovely menu and wine list.

How "nice" do you want? How fancy the food?

Good luck!

We're looking for a place with ideally a private room for about 15 -20, which has great food (more American than other types) and ambience for a job promotion party. If the restaurant is quiet enough, we could probably be all right without the private room. East Bay would be great, but SF or CoCo County is okay. Around $100 per person is fine. Any ideas?

Thanks,
foodgirl