hazel1's Profile
Lunch after Alcatraz on the way to Golden Gate/Fort Point
Yeah, but the Ferry Bldg. is quite a ways in the opposite direction from where they're heading. The Warming Hut at Crissy Field, on the other hand is right where you want to be. It hits all the right notes - casual, local and tasty (Alice Waters of Chez Panisse helped with the menu).
Healdsburg WHITE (Winery) and Olive Oil Suggestions
DaVero olive oil was been frequently mentioned by Mario Battali as his favorite, calling it "spectacular" in some interviews. DaVero wines are Italian varietals, so definitely different that the usual California chardonnays, sauvignon blancs, etc.
south bay bbq?
Visited the reborn Cats in January and thought their BBQ ribs to be right tasty. Tender, meaty, and finger-lickin' sauce. Good sides, too.
early sunday breakfast
While I ordinarily discourage people from Pier 39, the Eagle Cafe located there has pretty decent breakfasts, opens at 7:30 AM, couldn't be more conveniently located for you to hop on the Alcatraz Ferry just a couple blocks away.
Unusual SouthBay goodies for my Wicked Aunts Tour?
If you're going to be in Campbell anyway to visit Psycho Donuts, you've gotta check out Frost Cupcake Factory just a couple blocks east on Campbell Ave. I'm not one of those people enamoured with the whole cupcake fad these days, but these cupcakes are seriously divine! The Burnt Almond and Maui Coconut Dream are my faves, but they have loads of other unique and delicious flavors.
Cal-Mex lunch between SFO airport and San Jose?
My new personal fave for fish tacos is Orale, on Winchester Blvd. in Campbell. They offer many different types and varieties (sea bass, halibut, salmon, tilapia, shrimp, and more!) and they are super fresh and delicious. I love their tostadas and salads as well.
Funniest Thing a Server Said to You
OMG, Veggo, I'm sitting here at work with tears, along with my mascara and eyeliner, running down my face after reading this. I don't know how I'm going to explain this to my coworkers on the way to the ladies room to clean up. Too funny!
Corporate dining in San Jose that's not on Santana Row?
E&O Trading Co is out of business
Original Joe's - not special enough
McCormick & Schmick's is a good suggestion as is La Pastaia
The Grill on the Alley at the Fairmont is very good.
My vote would be for Arcadia at the San Jose Marriot next to the Convention Center - it's a Michael Mina restaurant and the food & service is excellent.
-----
La Pastaia
233 West Santa Clara St., San Jose, CA 95113
Original Joe's Restaurant
301 S 1st St, San Jose, CA 95113
7-day itinerary for SF? Did research!
I think that since you've got so much SE Asian on your list, I'd forgo the Vietnamese at Grand Century Mall, and stop at Phil's Fish Market in Moss Landing on the way to Big Sur.
Where can I find quirky sodas in the Bay Area?
Rocket Fizz Soda Pop and Candy Store in downtown Campbell (220 E. Campbell Ave.) has the most incredible collection of sodas that I have ever seen - little-known ones from every part of the country and several imported types as well. The variety they carry is truly astounding. The candy selection is amazing, too, but oh, the sodas....you name it, I'm pretty sure they'll have it.
Recommendations: San Jose?
Yeah, downtown San Jose options are, sadly, pretty limited in terms of fine dining. I think that Manresa and Sent Sovi are both good recommendations, and I'd add Alexander's Steakhouse, in Cupertino. Their menu is Asian-influenced, and more than just steak (they do have Wagyu beef, and it is to die for but $$$$$).
-----
Manresa Restaurant
320 Village Lane, Los Gatos, CA 95030
Alexander's Steakhouse
10330 N. Wolfe Road, Cupertino, CA 95014
Sent Sovi Restaurant
14583 Big Basin Way, Saratoga, CA 95070
Phil's Fish Market. Is it worth a trip?
I 'm a big Phil's fan, but have never tried their lobster rolls, so I can't help you there, altho I've seen it go past on other plates and it looks good. I happen to love their cioppino, and other favorites are their combo fried seafood platter, the stuffed artichoke, spicy jumbo prawns, and their clam chowder is one of the best I've had.
Please critique my 4-day SF itinerary (wife's first visit)
You do know that A16 is Italian, don't you? I mean, since you specifically said you were NOT interested in Itlaian cuisine, I'm curious why it's on your list.
-----
A16
2355 Chestnut St., San Francisco, CA 94123
Restaurant suggestions for College Graduation dinner in South Bay Area?
I highly doubt that Nick's will accommodate a large group - the restaurant is very small and does not having a private room. I think that you would be making a mistake trying to decide where to book this party just based on a few CH comments - go check these places out for yourself in order to decide if they're the right fit for your party. They are each quite different.
Please review SFO dining list for NYC Foodie (Researched)!!
Mezcal is a good Oaxacuan Mexican restaurant in downtown San Jose that's not your typical taco/burrito place. They have some great mole dishes.
-----
Mezcal Restaurant
25 W San Fernando, San Jose, CA 95113
Restaurant suggestions for College Graduation dinner in South Bay Area?
True enough on both points, but cost was not mentioned by the OP, hence the suggestion.
And I also want to add that I was slightly mistaken about my third suggestion - it's called Viva!
Restaurant suggestions for College Graduation dinner in South Bay Area?
How about Dio Deka? Their food is wonderful and they have rooms available for private parties. Il Fornaio in downtown San Jose is another place with decent food and private rooms. I also think Cafe Viva, on Los Gatos Blvd. would be another good suggestion.
-----
Dio Deka
210 E. Main Street, Los Gatos, CA 95030
Scarpetta
This was my first time at Scarpetta, and I knew we had to have the polenta w/ truffled mushrooms, which was to die for. Given how rich I expected it to be and allow for three more courses, we had the salad to go with it. The woman sitting next to me had the yellowtail and it was a three slice portion. The spaghetti was something I had had very high expectations for, considering all the hype I've heard about it here on CH and elsewhere, but I have to say thet while good, it's not something I'd want to pay $28 for off their reg. menu. As for the size of the portions throughout, I can't compare it to their normal menu, since, as I said, this was my first visit. They were entirely appropriate, in my opinion - I couldn't even finish my black cod (due to the amount, not the taste - it was divine!) And my husband was very happy with the duck. He had the lemon torte - very refreshing - while I was initially disappointed that they were out of the coconut panna cotta, even though you had to give your dessert choice with the rest of your order. I had the chocolate cake instead, and forgot entirely about the panna cotta. Chocolate bliss!
The wine pours were smallish pours, but certainly more than a tasting size. We, however, were celebrating an anniversary and had ordered a bottle of prosecco before we even realized there was a complimentary wine flight, so we didn't have any problem with a lack of wine thru out our dinner! All in all, the best dinner of our visit to NYC.
-----
Scarpetta
355 West 14th Street, New York, NY 10014
Scarpetta
Had the anniversary dinner last night - what a deal! $50 pp, including complimentary wine flight. They had the yellowtail crudo, the polenta, or salad for the appetizer course, spaghetti or short rib agnolotti for pasta, black cod, chicken, or spiced duck breast for mains, and the chocolate cake, coconut panna cotta (which they ran out of, unfortunately), lemon torte, and one other thing that I can't recall for dessert. It was fabulous, and we really lucked out in our reservation timing to coincide with their anniversary special.
Italian Waiters
Someone at work recommended Lattanzi for a pre-theatre dinner, whereas I was just about set to go to Il Gattopardo for my hubby's "parlo italiano" fix. Does any one here know whether there are Italian speaking waiters at Lattanzi? How's the comparison in food, service, price etc. for an early dinner?
-----
Il Gattopardo
33 W 54th St, New York, NY 10019
Lattanzi
361 West 46th Street, New York, NY 10036
Scarpetta
Their Facebook page says they're planning something, but doesn't give any details. I have reservations at Scarpetta on May 9th - I hope it's happening then!
-----
Scarpetta
355 West 14th Street, New York, NY 10014
Lobster roll or crab sandwich - where to eat near wharf?
Don't come to San Francisco for a lobster roll - you're on the wrong coast for that.
One night in San Jose
Mezcal, on San Fernando in downtown San Jose, is a good Oaxacan Mexican restaurant. Not your usual taco/burrito place. They have fabulous moles, and even a fried grasshopper appetizer (how's that for quirky?). The Mynt, in west San Jose/Campbell area, is my new favorite Indian place, with a contemporary twist to their menu and decor. And I'll second the recommendation for Vung Tau - their garlic crab is fabulous.
-----
Vung Tau Restaurant
535 E Santa Clara St, San Jose, CA 95112
The Mynt
5210 Prospect Road, San Jose, CA
Mezcal Restaurant
25 W San Fernando, San Jose, CA 95113
Breakfast joints in Silicon Valley
A couple of places we love:
Country Gourmet, corner of Fremont and Mary in Sunnyvale
Twist Cafe, on Campbell Ave in Campbell (great Sunday Farmer's Market right out front)
Bill of Fare, on Saratoga Ave in San Jose
-----
Bill of Fare
1005 Saratoga Ave, San Jose, CA 95129
Country Gourmet
1314 S Mary Ave, Sunnyvale, CA 94087
Italian Waiters
Thanks, everyone - this is a great list! I just wish we had enough time to try them all. Now I just have to narrow it down...
Italian Waiters
Well, that would certainly be convenient, since we're staying at On The Ave in the UWS. We'll put it on our list.
Italian Waiters
My husband enjoys speaking Italian with the waiters at a few of our favorite Italian restaurants here in California, and he'd like to be able to do the same when we're visiting NYC next month. Does anyone know of a decent place that might meet that criteria? I'm flexible as to where it is/how much it costs, but I don't really want to travel outside of Manhattan.
Mother's Day Dining - Avoiding the Masses
We'll be in NYC from May 5 - 10, and I hadn't realized that Mother's Day was so early this year. I'm looking for some suggestions where to go for a good brunch or lunch that may not be a likely candidate for everyone else taking Mom out on her day. We're staying in the UWS, but not limited to the area.
Corned Beef Hash
I'm making my first vist to NYC in May and I'm a corned beef hash afficianado from way back, so I'm looking to get some recommendations as to where I can find some really good CBH. I'm staying in the UWS, and considering this is breakfast, would prefer places in that general locale, but willing to go further afield if necessary.
