234calav's Profile
HELP! Looking for restaurants in the Palo Alto area
A few of my faves:
Joanie's: French-owned, speedy service (it's popular, too: get there earlyish for breakfast/lunch on weekends, but there's a great used bookstore a few doors down - Know Knew Books - to help pass the time). The oatmeal also sells out relatively early, too, cuz it's GREAT! Omelets, naturally, excellent. Waffles also. Salads are generous and never overdressed. Atmosphere: casual but not sloppy, photos of France to inspire you and as per usual in Palo Alto, a chance to hear several languages spoken. Something for all generations here. Prices: reasonable.
Junoon: Newly opened in downtown PA (University at High, Junoon ( Indian modern/fusion/whatever) has risen quickly to top 10 lists of Bay Area restaurant critics (restaurant's website has link to an Esquire mag piece that puts it on top 20 list of new restaurants in the U.S.) and with good reason. Its prices mean it's not a place for regular meals (unless money is not an object), but every meal is memorable.
Pluto's: Great bargain for salads: pick your greens, pick 10 add-ins - walk away with a whole-meal size salad for about $6. It's semi-self service (you stand in line with a menu, hand it to a server who makes your meal (kitchen mostly visible), you go find yourself a table. Great roasted turkey (plus mash and gravy) for cold weather. This is another University Avenue place for a quick healthy meal for a reasonable price - but it is more lunchy than dinner fare.
Palo Alto Sol (on California Avenue): previously mentioned in these posts - I concur: good food, quick service, reasonable prices. I like the broiled camarones cilantro.
Coupa: yes, terrific coffee. Single-estate Venezuelan. Hand-made chocolates of unusual combos: try the one with chevre.
Caffe del Doge: Check out the specialty drinks made with chocolate. Another strong point: pastries.
Crepes: Bistro Maxine (near Coupa on Ramona Street). Made like they do in France. Just a few tables with some on sidewalk, so it's "intime." Cafe au lait served in drinking bowl - again, a la mode Francais.
Your choice for Trader Joe's BEST item
My must-have at TJ's? Frozen fruits (blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, Bing cherries, pineapple chunks, mango chunks) - much much cheaper than at standard groceries and always high quality. Throw into hot cereal to take it quickly down to eating temperature, or just add to plain yogurt. And great for quick snack.
