Rapini's Profile
Wife's Birthday
In SF, try La Ciccia. (No bar, but darn good food.)
In the East Bay, I'm a fan of Belanico--a place that started out good, and has only gotten better. (No bar, but Rambla al Sur and (newly expanded) Marzano are steps away, each with a full bar for that pre-dinner cocktail.)
Affordable steakhouse in East Bay for tonight
I think Cafe Rouge may be your best bet in that vicinity; but as chocolatetartguy notes, it probably won't hit your price point. You can take her to the Outback steak place in Pinole (or Pleasant Hill), but IMHO, you really, really have to love your mother, and/or be anticipating a sizable inheritance,
Commis - Beverage pairing - [Oakland]
We've done the pairings at Commis twice. The first time worked well, the second left something to be desired--wasn't feeling the inclusion of some kind of beer-beverage as one of the matches. [Weird wine pairings was also an issue for us at Manresa].
Our feeling--for Commis and other prix fixe places--is that in the future, we will get a glass of bubbles or a still white for the first course, then order a bottle of red for the remainder of the meal. I'm not sure if it would be any more cost-beneficial, but it most likely will result in a better overall experience.
The Problem with Mary's Chicken
Agreed. We've been buying them for quite some time at Whole Foods (Berkeley & Oakland) without a problem. No off smell. They cook up nicely with good texture and stay moist.
Comal - Berkeley
As it turns out, we didn't order anything that you did, so I can't really respond to your comments. What we did order was very good though. OTOH, it wasn't what I experienced in Oaxaca.
When I go to our local ethnic or regional eateries, I try not to set my expectations on a faithful recreation of what's served in the actual country (or different area of the USofA). It's going to be some chef's interpretation, it's going to be made with ingredients that may not match what's available at the source, and so on. Hence, we don't necessarily get perfect Oaxacan food here, French, Italian, or--as the countless posts on this board will tell you--NY pizza, Philly cheesesteaks, NY bagels, badda bip badda bap.
Sorry you didn't do well at Comal, but as you noted, it's a nice space, good bar. Next time try the cod tacos or duck enchiladas, which seem to get thumbs up so far. One of the recent articles about the restaurant said that they're going to serve tlayudas--I'll be interested to see if they do, and how well they execute them.
Comal - Berkeley
Whatever the sound system is, it works well. Mrs. Rapini and I had a post-theatre meal there last night, and remarked on the fact that we could hear each other, despite the crowd.
BTW, we had the Sikil pak appetizer, duck enchiladas with a (mild) mole, fish tacos, and a side of sauteed rainbow chard--all of which was well executed. Having barely survived a tequila-infused youth, I'm no longer much of a fan; but the Del Rio cocktail I ordered was nicely balanced, clean, and subtle. Mrs. R's liked her El Burro cocktail, noting that it was neither too sweet nor too fruity.
I'm liking this place. It's a welcome addition to Berkeley generally, and downtown particularly.
Where to buy a chocolate Kouign Amann in San Francisco on Sunday?
I agree with you in generally enjoying La Boulange, but that it's KA is not top tier. However, it's reasonably good, and given the OP's time and geographical restrictions, I think it's a decent option.
Where to buy a chocolate Kouign Amann in San Francisco on Sunday?
Starter Bakery's KA is definitely the standard by which others are judged, but I had one at La Boulange recently that was nicely done. Not sure if they're doing chocolate.
La Boulange has some locations that might work from Forest Hill--e.g., Cole Valley & Hayes Valley--and you can order in advance.
Winery with amazing picnic area (and wine)?
Years ago, some friends used to reserve a gazebo alongside the pond at Chateau Montelena for an annual potluck lunch and related wine tasting at the winery. It's been a while, and the Ch. Montelena website doesn't indicate whether they're still allowing it; but it's worth a call or email to see. It was always a great day.
After Manresa and French Laundry
Another possibility--casual, good, open Monday: Delfina.
After Manresa and French Laundry
And it's a lot of driving in those two days. djquinnc would basically drive home from Los Gatos, sleep and then need to head off to FL.
I'd cancel Manresa. My opinion may be in the minority, but I found the place to be over-rated and over-priced. I'd go instead to Commis in Oakland--closer in, better food and value--our current favorite special meal.
For Monday, I note that Gary Danko and Quince both serve on Monday, as does Piperade (maybe not in the same category, but very good IMHO and worth a meal).
Looking for cafe near BART, Oakland, quiet for mid-afternoon meeting
Indoors it's the counter and stools. Outside, there are several (bar height, IIRC) tables and chairs, along the Webster Street storefront. Not sure what you mean by "proper", but I've always felt comfortable.
Looking for cafe near BART, Oakland, quiet for mid-afternoon meeting
I don't believe that 3rd & Jackson is within your parameters--its several blocks from BART, and doesn't have extensive seating. But if If you're willing to go to 3rd & Jackson, then should go to Blue Bottle's mother-ship cafe at 300 Webster.
Looking for cafe near BART, Oakland, quiet for mid-afternoon meeting
and there's a reasonably priced parking lot under the museum building...
Another alternative is Oliveto cafe--decent espresso, fairly quiet, and can accommodate party your size. Market Hall has a free parking lot, and the BART lot across the street should be free by the time your meeting begins.
backyard coffee rwc
espresso and risotto would nicely incorporate my two favorite food groups; but did you mean the espressos are short-pull, ristretto?
Good convenient breakfast stop OAK to Point Reyes
Also on Fourth Street is Tacubaya. it has mexican-style breakfast items (including a killer breakfast torta) and pours & pulls Blue Bottle Coffee. It's good food without the long, long wait at Bette"s.
wine bar
There's a place called Rouge et Blanc on Grant [btwn Sutter & Bush]. It's physically a nice space, but I've only been there for private events, so can't attest to the choices, or expertise of the staff.
You might do better in the long run at a restaurant with a good wine list. Wines by the glass are readily available at most establishments. Barbacco in the Financial District comes to mind as a place with extensicve wine choices. It's walkable from Union Square, although maybe not as low key as you might want.
Saison switches to prepaid ticket system
Those are our most recent experiences.
Cyrus, Gary Danko, Fifth Floor and Terra were varying degrees of very good-to-excellent. Auberge du Soleil was dreadful--food and service. But those visits aren't as recent, so I didn't mention them specifically, since the quality of the meals and service can either improve or decline over time.
The purpose of my post was only to see if someone whose gone to Saison recently has an opinion as to the value of such an expensive meal.
Saison switches to prepaid ticket system
After all the discussion about pricing, service charges, and the like, can someone please tell me, Is Saison worth $1,200 for two?
Mrs. Rapini and I have spent:
>over $500 for dinner at Manresa, and were very disappointed
>+$350 at Commis and couldn't wait to go back
>nearly $400 per person at Masa's and had a mediocre meal with iffy service
...and so on.
so, is there value in that $600 per person Saison "ticket"?
Saison switches to prepaid ticket system
"This is really getting out of hand. I can't encourage this kind of behavior."
Amen, bruddah.
Need East Bay Izakaya recommendation?
Don't know much about Izakaya, but can recommend B-Dama for good food, charming & casual space, and and an all-round good time.
Best steakhouse in San Francisco
How do you mean, jjjjj? It seemed pretty Italian to me.
Two of four
I agree with the La Ciccia and Aziza recommendations. However, I'd save myself a trip to Los Gatos by dumping Manresa for Commis in Oakland, The owner/chef is a Manresa alum who has created a far better restaurant (IMHO).
Burgers and coffee, that's elf food, apparently -- your thoughts solicited
And while you're at it, compare & contrast: Starter Bakery's kouign amann vs. La Boulange's version.
Burgers and coffee, that's elf food, apparently -- your thoughts solicited
Last time I had one, and it's probably still the fashion, Joe's comes on a hunk of crusty french bread, sliced down the middle to make a "bun". Holds up well to the juicy meat.
Burgers and coffee, that's elf food, apparently -- your thoughts solicited
Original Joe's recently reopened in North Beach, after a fire destroyed their home in the Tenderloin. I suggest an old school burger experience ordering the incredible Original Joe's hamburger sandwich with fries.
check out the menu at originaljoessf.com
Visiting Berkeley for the First Time - Need Critique's
Some people write stuff just to write stuff--I swear they don't even believe it themselves.. The description of Piedmont Avenue, is what I'd call "creative non-fiction"; based on some real facts--e.g., there is a Piedmont Avenue--but adapted to fit the intent of the writer.
Visiting Berkeley for the First Time - Need Critique's
You've already made some good choices. All of them are within walking distance, or a direct BART ride for you.
For your last dinner, Gather might be interesting. Or, if you're tired and want something casual by then, Turkish Kitchen is nearby, good and informal. Down Shattuck Avenue--a bit of a walk from your hotel, but doable--is one of the better sushi places, Kirala.
If you want to splash out on one more remarkable meal, try Commis in Oakland. It's my current favorite. If $100 is your food budget, with wine separate, it's within budget. [Figure about $150.00 total for dinner with wine pairings]. In fact, I could make an argument that you should swap out Plum for Commis--but that's not to discourage you from Plum, which is innovative and a good spot. [Commis will involve some transit planning, but can be done by bus, or bus and BART combo. We have a website--511.org--with a good trip planning function that can help with this].
Another casual option might be Hawker Fare, which is Thai street food influenced spin-off from the owner of Commis.
Other 'hounds will have other suggestions, but that's my $.02.
