3555 Sonoma Blvd, Vallejo CA 94590
(707) 643-9600
Parking: in shopping center parking lot
http://www.maxssf.com/locations.shtml
Last Visited: September 20, 2007
Food: 2 stars
Atmosphere: 2 stars
Service: 2 to 3 stars
Price: $ to $$$
I had watched a Bay Area news program that had introduced Max’s in the South Bay for good food. I vaguely remember the emphasis being on dessert, but they did mention that other items were worthy of trying as well. When I saw Max’s in Vallejo, I was pretty excited to check out some new dishes.
Service was fair for the most part. When we walked in, we stood waiting at the front counter for a while even though there was a server available. Although she was occupied, there was no “I’ll be with you in a second” and not even a smile. Upon arriving at our seats, it took a long time before anyone came to take our order. I think it was at least 20 minutes from sitting down before our water arrived, and the restaurant wasn’t particularly busy. The delay for service seemed to be present for all patrons.
- Max’s Teaser - The teaser includes fried calamari and fried lumpia. It’s accompanied with a sweet and sour sauce as well as white vinegar served in plastic cups. The calamari was fine with both tentacles and rings. The lumpia was crispy. This dish would receive 3 stars. $7.95
- Pancit Palabok – After having homemade palabok, it’s hard to compare homestyle against anybody’s, but this palabok was extremely disappointing. By the time it reached our table, it was lukewarm. There were few ingredients on it – a few slices of egg, very little pork, and worst of all, since the temperature was so cold, the lard used to make the sauce had begun to coagulate. Very disappointing. 1 star. $7.95
I found my experience to be extremely disappointing. The only reason I would go back would be for their rather large looking desserts or drinks, but I wouldn’t order food here again. Sadly, Max of the Philippines left a poor in poor impression on my mind, from food to service, leaving my cravings for good Filipino food unsatisfied.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Monday, June 27, 2011
Tony's Pizza Napoletana - San Francisco
Best: Calamari
1570 Stockton St, San Francisco CA
(415) 835-9888
Parking: limited street parking
http://www.tonyspizzanapoletana.com/
Last Visited: June 19, 2011
Food: 4 to 5 stars
Atmosphere: 3 to 4 stars
Service: 4 stars
Price: $$ to $$$
I went to Tony's after seeing the restaurant featured in Sunset Magazine's top 10 pizzeria's in the Bay Area. Plus, I've watched Tony Gemignani on Food Network enough to know his name and that he's won a lot of awards - 9 times in fact as World Pizza Champion.
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It turned out that I had timed my visit with the North Beach Festival, and that brought in a huge crowd to Tony's. Fortunately, I avoided the hour long wait by finding a coveted seat at the bar. The menu can seem a bit overwhelming initially - pastas, pizza, and calzones. There are several different types of pizza available - and mostly, they differ by cooking style - Classic American is a 550 degree gas oven. Pizza Romana is a long thin pizza cooked in a 700 degree electric oven. Sicilian Style is cooked in a 550 Degree gas oven and Coal Fired is cooked at 1000 degree. Tony's is known for the 73 margherita pizzas that he makes daily - no more, no less. Sadly, they had run out of those about an hour before our arrival, but the bartender recommended another margherita pizza to us which he said tastes the same and even he couldn't tell the difference between the two.
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- Calamari Fritti - Available traditional or calabrese (spicy) style, this calamari is beautiful. I would give it five stars. Served with two lemon wedges and aioli, the batter is so light and yet, it's flavorful and crunchy. Over the years, I've had a lot of calamari, and this was by far, one of the best. Beautifully golden, the calamari was cooked just perfectly - still tender. The amount is plentiful and can easily serve three to four people. Delicious! $11
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- Pizza Margherita - The pizza crust is just a firm on the outside and super soft on the inside. Rolled thin, it still held up to the toppings without getting moist on the bottom, but if you held a piece in the air, it won't stand by itself. The San Marzano tomato sauce is sweet and balanced with sea salt, fresh basil, fresh mozarella chunks, and extra virgin olive oil. The combination is so fresh and light, that I managed to eat three slices even after the calamari. Slightly burnt in random areas on the bottom, you have to like a smoky flavor. Otherwise, you might find it overwhelms the pizza. If you like your pizza to be more on the saucy side, you'll enjoy this a lot. I give it four stars for the sauce, cheese, and complex flavors from simple ingredients. $16 ($19 if you purchase one of the 73 made daily)
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1570 Stockton St, San Francisco CA
(415) 835-9888
Parking: limited street parking
http://www.tonyspizzanapoletana.com/
Last Visited: June 19, 2011
Food: 4 to 5 stars
Atmosphere: 3 to 4 stars
Service: 4 stars
Price: $$ to $$$
I went to Tony's after seeing the restaurant featured in Sunset Magazine's top 10 pizzeria's in the Bay Area. Plus, I've watched Tony Gemignani on Food Network enough to know his name and that he's won a lot of awards - 9 times in fact as World Pizza Champion.
It turned out that I had timed my visit with the North Beach Festival, and that brought in a huge crowd to Tony's. Fortunately, I avoided the hour long wait by finding a coveted seat at the bar. The menu can seem a bit overwhelming initially - pastas, pizza, and calzones. There are several different types of pizza available - and mostly, they differ by cooking style - Classic American is a 550 degree gas oven. Pizza Romana is a long thin pizza cooked in a 700 degree electric oven. Sicilian Style is cooked in a 550 Degree gas oven and Coal Fired is cooked at 1000 degree. Tony's is known for the 73 margherita pizzas that he makes daily - no more, no less. Sadly, they had run out of those about an hour before our arrival, but the bartender recommended another margherita pizza to us which he said tastes the same and even he couldn't tell the difference between the two.We started with bread and dipping oil. The bread was crusty on the outside and soft on the inside. I really enjoyed that perfect texture and moist quality of the bread - not oily, not soggy, just moist. Extra virgin olive oil, EVOO with sweet picante peppers, and EVOO with minced garlic - these three were great accompaniments to the delicious bread.
- Calamari Fritti - Available traditional or calabrese (spicy) style, this calamari is beautiful. I would give it five stars. Served with two lemon wedges and aioli, the batter is so light and yet, it's flavorful and crunchy. Over the years, I've had a lot of calamari, and this was by far, one of the best. Beautifully golden, the calamari was cooked just perfectly - still tender. The amount is plentiful and can easily serve three to four people. Delicious! $11
- Pizza Margherita - The pizza crust is just a firm on the outside and super soft on the inside. Rolled thin, it still held up to the toppings without getting moist on the bottom, but if you held a piece in the air, it won't stand by itself. The San Marzano tomato sauce is sweet and balanced with sea salt, fresh basil, fresh mozarella chunks, and extra virgin olive oil. The combination is so fresh and light, that I managed to eat three slices even after the calamari. Slightly burnt in random areas on the bottom, you have to like a smoky flavor. Otherwise, you might find it overwhelms the pizza. If you like your pizza to be more on the saucy side, you'll enjoy this a lot. I give it four stars for the sauce, cheese, and complex flavors from simple ingredients. $16 ($19 if you purchase one of the 73 made daily)
The bartender was super friendly and kept refilling our glasses. The atmosphere is really classic with darker wood. It's an elegant setting, but during a festival day, it was a lot louder than I would expect it to be on another day. I also really like the Ed Hardy design made special for Tony on their pizza boxes.
While parking can be a bit troublesome here, I would gladly come to Tony's to try out some of their other pizzas and calzones, which they offer both baked or deep fried. Had it not been for the slight burnt crust of the pizza, I would have given them a solid five stars. Tony's left a very good impression on me. I look forward to trying them again some time. Yummy!
Pamposh - Indian, Santa Rosa
52 Mission Circle, Suite 110, Santa Rosa CA 95409
(707) 538-3367
Parking: in shopping center parking lot
http://www.pamposhrestaurant.com/index1.html
Last Visited: May 16, 2005
Food: 3 stars
Atmosphere: 4 stars
Service: 4 stars
Price: $$ to $$$
Enter Pamposh and find that the color scheme is rich. Pamposh calls itself fine and certainly caters to a wide crowd in its classic atmosphere that isn't stuffy. The layout is simple with booths on the left side of the restaurant and tables in the center and on the right.
The colors are a dark burgundy and golden yellow. The wood chairs match the surrounding atmosphere and the burgundy cushions in the booths have gold patterns in the design. Above the booths are large lamps in classic styles. The tables are covered with white tablecloths and white paper. Folded burgundy cloth napkins are placed on the square white plates. The wood floors accent the furniture. Indian music plays from the stereo system, but as the evening wore on, the music was drowned out by the noise of the patrons. Even the menu cover is rich in color and decorated with people. Pamposh means lotus, and the art displayed depicted many.
Upon our arrival we were served water along with folded papadam accompanied by mango salsa containing cucumbers, onions, mint, and mango of course. The papadam is crispy, and had a classic flavor. According to my Indian friends, it’s not typically served this way, but it made for a good starter.
Our server was very patient and made sure we didn’t have any questions. She happily explained dishes to multiple tables. It’s apparent that Pamposh is catering specifically to the Sonoma County crowd which is less familiar with Indian cuisine. They offer each dish with a choice of being cooked mild, medium, or hot – few places in the Bay Area seem to do that.
- Vegetable Samosa – Two triangular pastries are stuffed with spiced potatoes and peas. The samosas are accompanied by a light salad of shredded cabbage. A mint chutney and another chutney accompanied the two samosas. Although the samosas are flavorful, I found they could contain more spice for my taste. Also, they were a bit more petite than I anticipated. Being that I had tried two much larger samosas for about the same price, I was of course, slightly disappointed. $4.25
- Plain Nan – Pamposh has four types of nan available. We chose plain to test out the texture of the nan. A large round piece of nan arrived in a basket. Nan is made in a tandoori oven and the center becomes crispy and the edges get puffed up. It’s lightly brushed with oil, and has an al dente sort of texture. Good. $2.50
- Chicken Curry – Chicken in a traditional curry is served in a metal bowl. There is a combination of white meat and dark meat in the dish. The chicken is flavorful and comes in a sauce that has a thick consistency. Although the breast meat seemed a little on the dry side for my tastes, the flavor of the curry was still good. $12.95
- Lamb Boti Kebab – Cubes of boneless lamb are cooked on an iron platter along with onions, peppers, and two lemon wedges. The lamb has a nice spiciness to it, flavorful, and it didn’t have that gamey taste that is so often undesired. Since it remains sitting on the hot platter, this dish tends to lose its juices faster, and can be dry at the end of the meal. $14.95
In general, food quality is good. The presentation is very nice, but all dishes are only available a la carte. Raita, rice, and salad are served separate. Pamposh is an excellent place to go for a person trying Indian food for the first time. The staff is very patient and willing to accommodate. The atmosphere is comfortable, and the food is good. It’s not the best in terms of value compared to authentic Indian cuisine in the Bay Area, but the setting will make up for it. Also, think of it as going to a more upscale restaurant, and it all balances out.
(707) 538-3367
Parking: in shopping center parking lot
http://www.pamposhrestaurant.com/index1.html
Last Visited: May 16, 2005
Food: 3 stars
Atmosphere: 4 stars
Service: 4 stars
Price: $$ to $$$
Enter Pamposh and find that the color scheme is rich. Pamposh calls itself fine and certainly caters to a wide crowd in its classic atmosphere that isn't stuffy. The layout is simple with booths on the left side of the restaurant and tables in the center and on the right.
The colors are a dark burgundy and golden yellow. The wood chairs match the surrounding atmosphere and the burgundy cushions in the booths have gold patterns in the design. Above the booths are large lamps in classic styles. The tables are covered with white tablecloths and white paper. Folded burgundy cloth napkins are placed on the square white plates. The wood floors accent the furniture. Indian music plays from the stereo system, but as the evening wore on, the music was drowned out by the noise of the patrons. Even the menu cover is rich in color and decorated with people. Pamposh means lotus, and the art displayed depicted many.
Upon our arrival we were served water along with folded papadam accompanied by mango salsa containing cucumbers, onions, mint, and mango of course. The papadam is crispy, and had a classic flavor. According to my Indian friends, it’s not typically served this way, but it made for a good starter.
Our server was very patient and made sure we didn’t have any questions. She happily explained dishes to multiple tables. It’s apparent that Pamposh is catering specifically to the Sonoma County crowd which is less familiar with Indian cuisine. They offer each dish with a choice of being cooked mild, medium, or hot – few places in the Bay Area seem to do that.
- Vegetable Samosa – Two triangular pastries are stuffed with spiced potatoes and peas. The samosas are accompanied by a light salad of shredded cabbage. A mint chutney and another chutney accompanied the two samosas. Although the samosas are flavorful, I found they could contain more spice for my taste. Also, they were a bit more petite than I anticipated. Being that I had tried two much larger samosas for about the same price, I was of course, slightly disappointed. $4.25
- Plain Nan – Pamposh has four types of nan available. We chose plain to test out the texture of the nan. A large round piece of nan arrived in a basket. Nan is made in a tandoori oven and the center becomes crispy and the edges get puffed up. It’s lightly brushed with oil, and has an al dente sort of texture. Good. $2.50
- Chicken Curry – Chicken in a traditional curry is served in a metal bowl. There is a combination of white meat and dark meat in the dish. The chicken is flavorful and comes in a sauce that has a thick consistency. Although the breast meat seemed a little on the dry side for my tastes, the flavor of the curry was still good. $12.95
- Lamb Boti Kebab – Cubes of boneless lamb are cooked on an iron platter along with onions, peppers, and two lemon wedges. The lamb has a nice spiciness to it, flavorful, and it didn’t have that gamey taste that is so often undesired. Since it remains sitting on the hot platter, this dish tends to lose its juices faster, and can be dry at the end of the meal. $14.95
In general, food quality is good. The presentation is very nice, but all dishes are only available a la carte. Raita, rice, and salad are served separate. Pamposh is an excellent place to go for a person trying Indian food for the first time. The staff is very patient and willing to accommodate. The atmosphere is comfortable, and the food is good. It’s not the best in terms of value compared to authentic Indian cuisine in the Bay Area, but the setting will make up for it. Also, think of it as going to a more upscale restaurant, and it all balances out.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Pho Vietnam - Santa Rosa
711 Stony Point Road #8, Santa Rosa CA 95407
(707) 571-SOUP (7687)
Parking: in shopping center parking lot
Hours: Mon-Sat 10am to 8:45pm, Sun 10am to 7:45pm
Last Visited: December 28, 2010
Food: 4 stars
Atmosphere: 3 stars
Service: 2 to 3 stars
Price: $ to $$ (prices shown are from 2006, so they may be higher)
Pho Vietnam is a crowded and popular place, for lunch or dinner. Now that it's taken over the unit next door, it's not quite as difficult to get in as it once was when it would be have people waiting outside. With the expansion, it seems more spacious and the pace over service is less frantic. The great tasting pho is so flavorful and delicious that it’s one of the best in Sonoma County if you enjoy full flavored broth.
On each table is a holder containing chopsticks, soy sauce, fish sauce, hot sauce, and a squeeze bottle of chili sauce. Bowls of pho (beef noodle soup) come in small, large, and extra large – these are displayed above the counter to help customers get a better sense of what they’re in for. To go orders are an extra 25 cents.
The recent remodel and expansion has done wonders for the place with a lot more space in the rear for larger parties. The colors are brighter and lighter, probably to keep up with the increasing competition and since it was due for a makeover anyway. The chairs are new, but the same great food is there. I increased the atmosphere rating from 2 stars to 3 stars.
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- Cha Gio – Egg Rolls – The egg rolls I tried during the last few visits have only been fair. The color of the rolls have been a little too dark, indicating prolonged frying time, or not so fresh oil. Just okay. They still taste good though. $3.50
- Combination Rolls - Traditional rice paper rolls are filled with shrimp, mint, lettuce, pork, and rice noodles Peanut sauce accompanies the dish. They do a nice roll - fairly standard in its offering.
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- Pho Bac Biet – Combo Noodle soup – As always, my multiple visits have found the broth consistently flavorful, and the temperature is always boiling hot (to cook the rare eye round steak). The noodles do come in a clump, but can be easily broken apart. The meat topping the rice noodles include eye round steak, well-done brisket, flank steak, tendon, and tripe. A dish containing lemon or lime, bean sprouts, and Thai basil accompany the soup. The majority of the time, these vegetables are fresh due to the constant flow of customers coming into the restaurant. Very good. Small $4.50, Large $4.95, Extra Large $5.95
- Nuoc Dua - Coconut Juice – Always refreshing. $1.95
Service can use some improvement. Less experienced servers often run multiple rounds for items and seem inefficient - this was the case with a recent large group dinner that I attended. However, the waitress was very friendly and that made up for her lack of experience quite a bit.
Pho Vietnam is a great place to fill up, especially on cold winter nights, for a very reasonable price. You’ll find excellent, rich tasting beef broth and fresh food. A great value, and a local favorite casual dining spot.
(707) 571-SOUP (7687)
Parking: in shopping center parking lot
Hours: Mon-Sat 10am to 8:45pm, Sun 10am to 7:45pm
Last Visited: December 28, 2010
Food: 4 stars
Atmosphere: 3 stars
Service: 2 to 3 stars
Price: $ to $$ (prices shown are from 2006, so they may be higher)
Pho Vietnam is a crowded and popular place, for lunch or dinner. Now that it's taken over the unit next door, it's not quite as difficult to get in as it once was when it would be have people waiting outside. With the expansion, it seems more spacious and the pace over service is less frantic. The great tasting pho is so flavorful and delicious that it’s one of the best in Sonoma County if you enjoy full flavored broth.
On each table is a holder containing chopsticks, soy sauce, fish sauce, hot sauce, and a squeeze bottle of chili sauce. Bowls of pho (beef noodle soup) come in small, large, and extra large – these are displayed above the counter to help customers get a better sense of what they’re in for. To go orders are an extra 25 cents.
The recent remodel and expansion has done wonders for the place with a lot more space in the rear for larger parties. The colors are brighter and lighter, probably to keep up with the increasing competition and since it was due for a makeover anyway. The chairs are new, but the same great food is there. I increased the atmosphere rating from 2 stars to 3 stars.
- Cha Gio – Egg Rolls – The egg rolls I tried during the last few visits have only been fair. The color of the rolls have been a little too dark, indicating prolonged frying time, or not so fresh oil. Just okay. They still taste good though. $3.50
- Pho Bac Biet – Combo Noodle soup – As always, my multiple visits have found the broth consistently flavorful, and the temperature is always boiling hot (to cook the rare eye round steak). The noodles do come in a clump, but can be easily broken apart. The meat topping the rice noodles include eye round steak, well-done brisket, flank steak, tendon, and tripe. A dish containing lemon or lime, bean sprouts, and Thai basil accompany the soup. The majority of the time, these vegetables are fresh due to the constant flow of customers coming into the restaurant. Very good. Small $4.50, Large $4.95, Extra Large $5.95Service can use some improvement. Less experienced servers often run multiple rounds for items and seem inefficient - this was the case with a recent large group dinner that I attended. However, the waitress was very friendly and that made up for her lack of experience quite a bit.
Pho Vietnam is a great place to fill up, especially on cold winter nights, for a very reasonable price. You’ll find excellent, rich tasting beef broth and fresh food. A great value, and a local favorite casual dining spot.
Friday, June 24, 2011
Chloe's French Cafe - Santa Rosa
3853 Airway Drive, Suite 145, Santa Rosa CA 95403
(707) 528-3095
Parking: In parking lot
Hours: Mon-Fri 8am to 5pm. Closed Saturday and Sunday.
http://www.chloesco.com/
Last Visited: May 15, 2009
Food: 3 to 4 stars
Atmosphere: 3 stars
Service: 3 to 4 stars
Price: $$
Chloe’s has become a hidden treasure in Santa Rosa and word is starting to get out. Holly recommended it to me as a must try. Located behind the Sutter clinic, the small café offers outdoor and indoor seating. The menu is located behind the counter and you can see offerings including breakfast, salads, soups and cold and grilled sandwiches offered along with various coffee drinks and baked goods in the glass case.
Between Wednesday and Friday, there are also plates of the day featuring French regional specialties. About once a month, Chloe’s is open for dinner by reservation only where folks can sit family style and enjoy a prix fixe menu with three courses and share wine with one another.
It’s a family affair with Marc, Alain, and Renee Pisan. Alain and Renee, a husband and wife team, do a great job keeping the quality high and the food fresh. All of the dishes that I saw looked quite appetizing and the vegetables were super fresh. Upon arriving, one orders at the counter and pays for food. You are then given a number which you take to the table and there is a beverage station where you can stop and get your iced tea, sodas, etc. Fresh slices of orange and lemon are available and are mentioned here because it seems rare to see orange slices around a beverage stand. I didn’t even ask for water and was given a glass – this anticipation of needs is greatly appreciated and seems hard to find these days.
Today, I tried one of the grilled sandwiches.
- Saucisson – French salami, mezzo secco cheese, ham, and swiss are served on a grilled French baguette with a touch of grain mustard and a side of balsamic dipping sauce. Also on the side is a small serving of sweet pickles. A bit dry near the end, it’s fitting to have the dipping sauce to provide a balance against the salt in the meat. The bread is crusty and good. Next time, I will order a side salad to accompany the sandwich. $8.50
I enjoyed my sandwich outside under the umbrellas sheltering us from the heat and it was a great way to enjoy some time with friends. A great stop on a weekday. I look forward to trying one of their special evening dinners.
(707) 528-3095
Parking: In parking lot
Hours: Mon-Fri 8am to 5pm. Closed Saturday and Sunday.
http://www.chloesco.com/
Last Visited: May 15, 2009
Food: 3 to 4 stars
Atmosphere: 3 stars
Service: 3 to 4 stars
Price: $$
Chloe’s has become a hidden treasure in Santa Rosa and word is starting to get out. Holly recommended it to me as a must try. Located behind the Sutter clinic, the small café offers outdoor and indoor seating. The menu is located behind the counter and you can see offerings including breakfast, salads, soups and cold and grilled sandwiches offered along with various coffee drinks and baked goods in the glass case.
Between Wednesday and Friday, there are also plates of the day featuring French regional specialties. About once a month, Chloe’s is open for dinner by reservation only where folks can sit family style and enjoy a prix fixe menu with three courses and share wine with one another.
It’s a family affair with Marc, Alain, and Renee Pisan. Alain and Renee, a husband and wife team, do a great job keeping the quality high and the food fresh. All of the dishes that I saw looked quite appetizing and the vegetables were super fresh. Upon arriving, one orders at the counter and pays for food. You are then given a number which you take to the table and there is a beverage station where you can stop and get your iced tea, sodas, etc. Fresh slices of orange and lemon are available and are mentioned here because it seems rare to see orange slices around a beverage stand. I didn’t even ask for water and was given a glass – this anticipation of needs is greatly appreciated and seems hard to find these days.
Today, I tried one of the grilled sandwiches.
- Saucisson – French salami, mezzo secco cheese, ham, and swiss are served on a grilled French baguette with a touch of grain mustard and a side of balsamic dipping sauce. Also on the side is a small serving of sweet pickles. A bit dry near the end, it’s fitting to have the dipping sauce to provide a balance against the salt in the meat. The bread is crusty and good. Next time, I will order a side salad to accompany the sandwich. $8.50
I enjoyed my sandwich outside under the umbrellas sheltering us from the heat and it was a great way to enjoy some time with friends. A great stop on a weekday. I look forward to trying one of their special evening dinners.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Battle: Puerto Rican, North Bay
Sol Food, San Rafael vs. El Coqui, Santa Rosa
While there is no affiliation and no known rivalry between the two restaurants, those of us in the North Bay have noticed that the patrons are the ones that have started to compare these two Puerto Rican restaurants and size them up against one another. Here's the rub.
Both places offer really authentic and fun Puerto Rican food. Staff are friendly. If I could combine the best of both restaurants, I would take the bread and salad from Sol Food and incorporate it with the juicy bisteca (steak) and salsa from El Coqui.
While there is no affiliation and no known rivalry between the two restaurants, those of us in the North Bay have noticed that the patrons are the ones that have started to compare these two Puerto Rican restaurants and size them up against one another. Here's the rub.
| Address | 732 4th St, San Rafael | 400 Mendocino Street, Santa Rosa |
| Phone | (415) 451-4765 | (707) 542-8868 |
| Website | http://www.solfoodrestaurant.com/ | http://www.elcoqui2eat.com/ |
| Food | Puerto Rican | Puerto Rican |
| Atmosphere | Brightly colored walls and menus, communal tables, Puerto Rican music, order as you enter the restaurant and place your order number on the table. Great for take-out | Bar with televisions, Puerto Rican music, table service, spacious, good for bringing guests and leisurely meals. Also good for soccer games. |
| Service | Good. Friendly. Efficient. | Good. Friendly. Table-side. Relaxed. |
| Price | $ to $$$ | $$ - $$$ (slightly higher than the competition) |
Both places offer really authentic and fun Puerto Rican food. Staff are friendly. If I could combine the best of both restaurants, I would take the bread and salad from Sol Food and incorporate it with the juicy bisteca (steak) and salsa from El Coqui.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
VIP - Mexican/American, Santa Rosa
2227 Mendocino Ave, Santa Rosa, CA 95403
(707) 527-5430
Parking: in parking lot
Last Visited: April 16, 2006
Food: 3 to 4 stars
Atmosphere: 2 to 3 stars
Service: 2 to 3 stars
Price: $ to $$
It’s easy to find VIP. Just look for the restaurant with the cactus out in front. VIP is getting close to being a hole in the wall. The parking lot during my visit in 2003 had a big pothole right at the entrance. Fortunately upon returning in 2006, the pothole was gone. The booths inside the restaurant were very lumpy and there was a dip in the center of the seat. When you walk in, the atmosphere is that of a diner. It’s clean, but the seats were ripped and in need of repair. In 2006, the place had gotten a fresh coat of paint, was a bit brighter, and though the seats weren’t the best, they were much improved.
Upon our arrival, we received glasses of ice water and chips and salsa. The salsa is a bit spicy, just enough to brighten your palate.
The menu is fairly extensive. From the tables, you can see the cook in the back making putting the dishes on the counter to be taken to each table. I would describe him as a short order cook with wide skills – both Mexican food and American food.
The portions are decent, and the food is pretty good. I think that’s what keeps people coming back to VIP. Their sign out front says home of the Best Chile Verde, so of course, I had to try the verde out.
- Enchiladas Verde – A large dish is filled with two chicken enchiladas with verde sauce and rice and beans. I’m not a verde expert, but this was really good. Good enough that I would go back and try it again.
- Fish Tacos – Two tortillas are topped with the makings of a big taco. The food is fresh and the flavor is great.
- Burrito Supreme – I tried a carne asada burrito (choice of meat if you prefer another kind) and found it to be very satisfying. Filled inside with carne asada, guacamole, sour cream, salsa, lettuce, beans, and rice, it had great flavor. It was topped with a light (relatively light in color and richness compared to others I have tried) enchilada sauce and some cheese. Delicious and filling, it’s probably the second best burrito in town (at least according to my tastes).
- Burrito Verde – If you like spicy chile verde (sauce made with tomatillos), this is the burrito for you. The burrito is filled with large chunks of diced pork. My dining companion likened it to a spicy and rich curry texture and flavor. Each bite was a mouthful of spices. If you like your burritos and meat mild, this would not be the one to select. The meat warms your insides; it’s not tough nor fork tender, but right in between. Good for those who like spices. $6.95
- Club sandwich – Slices of turkey are layered with bacon, lettuce, and tomato slices. The bread is toasted until golden brown, but it’s not quite crispy enough (or maybe just doesn’t stay crispy enough). I like my club sandwiches to be a bit heavy on the mayonnaise – this one is good for those who are leaning on the health conscious side – not quite enough mayo for me. I selected fries for the side dish and got wonderful crinkle cut fries, but you have to eat them fast. Once they’re cool, they’re no longer crispy. You can still see the oil glistening, enticing you to eat more. The sandwich comes with fresh fruit slices – one piece of apple, and one orange wedge. Okay. $6.25
Don’t let the atmosphere of VIP deter you. If you like Mexican food, you’ll probably enjoy VIP. VIP offers American that is okay, but I would stick to the Mexican food. The Mexican food seems authentic to me, and if it’s not, well, I still think it tastes great. Service varies – not quite as attentive or friendly as they could be, but okay – not rude – there is room for improvement. Try it out for yourself.
(707) 527-5430
Parking: in parking lot
Last Visited: April 16, 2006
Food: 3 to 4 stars
Atmosphere: 2 to 3 stars
Service: 2 to 3 stars
Price: $ to $$
It’s easy to find VIP. Just look for the restaurant with the cactus out in front. VIP is getting close to being a hole in the wall. The parking lot during my visit in 2003 had a big pothole right at the entrance. Fortunately upon returning in 2006, the pothole was gone. The booths inside the restaurant were very lumpy and there was a dip in the center of the seat. When you walk in, the atmosphere is that of a diner. It’s clean, but the seats were ripped and in need of repair. In 2006, the place had gotten a fresh coat of paint, was a bit brighter, and though the seats weren’t the best, they were much improved.
Upon our arrival, we received glasses of ice water and chips and salsa. The salsa is a bit spicy, just enough to brighten your palate.
The menu is fairly extensive. From the tables, you can see the cook in the back making putting the dishes on the counter to be taken to each table. I would describe him as a short order cook with wide skills – both Mexican food and American food.
The portions are decent, and the food is pretty good. I think that’s what keeps people coming back to VIP. Their sign out front says home of the Best Chile Verde, so of course, I had to try the verde out.
- Enchiladas Verde – A large dish is filled with two chicken enchiladas with verde sauce and rice and beans. I’m not a verde expert, but this was really good. Good enough that I would go back and try it again.
- Fish Tacos – Two tortillas are topped with the makings of a big taco. The food is fresh and the flavor is great.
- Burrito Supreme – I tried a carne asada burrito (choice of meat if you prefer another kind) and found it to be very satisfying. Filled inside with carne asada, guacamole, sour cream, salsa, lettuce, beans, and rice, it had great flavor. It was topped with a light (relatively light in color and richness compared to others I have tried) enchilada sauce and some cheese. Delicious and filling, it’s probably the second best burrito in town (at least according to my tastes).
- Burrito Verde – If you like spicy chile verde (sauce made with tomatillos), this is the burrito for you. The burrito is filled with large chunks of diced pork. My dining companion likened it to a spicy and rich curry texture and flavor. Each bite was a mouthful of spices. If you like your burritos and meat mild, this would not be the one to select. The meat warms your insides; it’s not tough nor fork tender, but right in between. Good for those who like spices. $6.95
- Club sandwich – Slices of turkey are layered with bacon, lettuce, and tomato slices. The bread is toasted until golden brown, but it’s not quite crispy enough (or maybe just doesn’t stay crispy enough). I like my club sandwiches to be a bit heavy on the mayonnaise – this one is good for those who are leaning on the health conscious side – not quite enough mayo for me. I selected fries for the side dish and got wonderful crinkle cut fries, but you have to eat them fast. Once they’re cool, they’re no longer crispy. You can still see the oil glistening, enticing you to eat more. The sandwich comes with fresh fruit slices – one piece of apple, and one orange wedge. Okay. $6.25
Don’t let the atmosphere of VIP deter you. If you like Mexican food, you’ll probably enjoy VIP. VIP offers American that is okay, but I would stick to the Mexican food. The Mexican food seems authentic to me, and if it’s not, well, I still think it tastes great. Service varies – not quite as attentive or friendly as they could be, but okay – not rude – there is room for improvement. Try it out for yourself.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
El Coqui - Puerto Rican, Santa Rosa
400 Mendocino Street, Santa Rosa, CA 95401
(707) 542-8868Parking: street parking
Hours: Mon - Sat 11am - 10pm, Sun 12pm - 9pm
http://elcoqui2eat.com/
Last Visited: July 17, 2011
Food: 3 stars
Atmosphere: 3 to 4 stars
Service: 3 to 4 stars
Price: $$
The restaurant's name, El Coqui, catches your attention right away. Coqui is the sound that tree frogs make in Puerto Rico, hence the frog in the restaurant's logo. I had heard about El Coqui through the web, and fellow foodie James also gave it a thumbs up.After hearing about it for some time, I finally made the trip to Santa Rosa in February and walked into their corner restaurant. The windows brought in the sunshine as the high energy island music blared from the speakers. I was surprised to see such a large bar and instantly thought what a hopping place this would be on a Friday or Saturday night. The wood flooring contrasts the bright orange and green walls and can lights point towards the bar. Two large flat screen televisions sit on the wall behind the bar, the perfect setting for World Cup crowds to enjoy the game.
The tables are placed in a spacious way so if you plan to have guests join you for dinner, you should still be able to hear the conversation, although the music can be a little loud. The service was friendly throughout our visit. First, we were served glasses of water, and the staff asked if we had questions about the menu. They were fairly attentive throughout the meal.
On the table, El Coqui has a bottle of their special hot sauce, Pique de Pina, a pineapple-infused, spicy, tangy hot sauce that pours more like vinegar. The staff told us that everything tastes better when you add this sauce, so we tried it and it's definitely unique. It goes well with those fried green plantains and adds a kick to whatever you pour it on.
For our first lunch visit, we opted to go with more familiar Puerto Rican dishes so that we could do a proper comparison against other places we have tried.
- Chuletas - Thin cut pan fried pork chops - You can select one or two pork chops depending on how hungry you are. All entrees come with avocado salad, rice and beans, and sweet or fried green plantains. The pork chops were good - a little crispy on the edges, juicy inside. The avocado salad was refreshing, paired with tomato and red onions and lightly dressed; I was surprised that they actually served that much avocado. What I loved was the rice and beans. The beans are well flavored and the rice is cooked with olives and tasted fantastic. At other places, you often find yourself paying extra for rice with Spanish olives. They were also nice in letting us select half fried plantains and half maduros so we could try both - both tasted good. The quantity of food is also enormous as you can see from the photo. Good. Solid four stars. $9.99, $14.99
- Sandwich de Bistec - Thinly sliced angus steak on a toasted French roll with lettuce, tomatoes, mayonnaise, and sauteed onions. The meat is incredibly juicy and the roll is soft on the inside. I would have liked the roll to have been toasted just a little more to make it a touch better - it's a little softer than it could be. The sauteed onions just made the sandwich even better. Fried thin plantain chips accompany the sandwich. Good. The meat gets four stars, but the bread only three stars. $11.99While the food was good, there are still some things that could be improved slightly. See Battle Puerto Rican for a direct comparison with my Puerto Rican favorite in San Rafael.
During my July visit, I came back specifically to try the fried chicken. A neighboring table had ordered it and it looked really appetizing.
- Chicharron de Pollo, Fried Chicken - The menu described it as seasoned, golden, and crispy. Well, two out of three ain't bad, but it still fell short of expecations. I thought I remembered the skin of the chicken as being crispy when I saw it delivered to a neighboring table during my last visit, but alas, it's more like the thigh and drumstick are just seasoned and deep fried without any batter. While the flavor was okay, I really wanted the fried chicken to be crispy, not just fried. At least it wasn't greasy. Also, the Spanish rice seemed bland today - I remembered it with great fondness from my last visit, but today, it wasn't as flavorful. I wonder if they have reduced the amount of spices, but it wasn't the same. The red beans were fine. Just okay. $9.50, $11.99
- Sandwich Cubano - Slow roasted pulled pork, a slice of ham, swiss cheese, pickles, mustard, and mayonnaise come on a bun, similar as that described above. While the tartness from the pickles stands out, I found the sandwich to be just okay overall. Thin plantain chips come with this sandwich too along with some spicy dipping sauce - almost like an aoili that you would get with fried calamari. I definitely prefer the bisteca sandwich, but then again, I am a beef lover. $10.99
I really liked the spacious setting. The comparison blog post against another local Puerto Rican place really says it best though.
I really liked the spacious setting. The comparison blog post against another local Puerto Rican place really says it best though.
Friday, June 17, 2011
Mike's at the Crossroads - Burgers, Cotati
7665 Old Redwood Highway, Cotati, CA 94931
(707) 665-9999
Parking: in shopping center parking lot
http://mikesatthecrossroads.com/
Last Visited: June 18, 2005
Food: 3 to 4 stars
Atmosphere: 3 to 4 stars
Service: 3 stars
Price: $ to $$
Mike Condrin first opened Mike’s at the Yard (the Petaluma branch) in 1991. Since then, Mike’s has been a local favorite for his burgers and his ‘No Fries’ attitude. Mike’s at the Crossroads expanded the business to Cotati.
Each burger is made with half a pound of Harris Ranch Beef on a toasted bun and cooked until medium. All burgers come with cheese (because Mike thinks it should be there), and there’s no extra charge for it. All burgers come with a choice of macaroni salad, red potato salad, tossed green salad with vinaigrette, or chips. Under no circumstances will you find fries. You can read his eleven reasons why Mike doesn’t have French fries. I personally like reason number 9: ‘The burger is greasy by itself.’
Besides the Mike’s burger, you’ll also find a variety of additions that can be made to make your burger meet your tastebuds. Other burgers include: the “Go Jets” burger, Stinky Breath burger, and the Pesty Pesto Burger.
Walk into Mike’s and you’ll see the bar and the tables. The kitchen is located in the back corner on the right side. The television was on during our visit, and for your viewing pleasure are the In and Out burger t-shirts stuck to the ceiling. Each one contains a statement written in black marker about trading in the shirt for a Mike’s burger.
Upon our arrival, we were told to sit anywhere we liked, and a waitress promptly came and brought us menus. The girls were efficient and though a bit overwhelmed, they did a great job.
- Mike’s Burger – Available with bacon for an additional cost, the Mike’s burger is the most basic with a slice of cheese melted on top of the burger over a toasted bun. The top half of the toasted bun contains a mixture of chopped fresh tomatoes and pickles. A slice of lettuce, two slices of tomato, and a slice of red onion are placed upon the top half ready for you to assemble. The burger is juicy and delicious. The meat is cooked to a perfect medium, and is packed loose enough to feel soft and retain its juices. The bun is a bit on the soft side despite the toasting. For the side, I selected the tossed green salad. The kitchen gave me macaroni salad instead, but the waitress promptly brought me a large side of tossed green salad. I was disappointed by the green salad since all of it seemed to have rust on the edges. The macaroni salad wasn’t particularly exciting. I should have gone for the bag of chips. Great burger patty, and fresh fixings. $6.95
The place is not about ambiance, but it is about a good burger. Having been there only twice so far, it’s hard to tell if the bun can get toasted more, but if you like soft buns, then it’s just right as it is. I would suggest getting the bag of chips when you select your side. Great burger and great place to check out – even just to read the reasons for no fries.
(707) 665-9999
Parking: in shopping center parking lot
http://mikesatthecrossroads.com/
Last Visited: June 18, 2005
Food: 3 to 4 stars
Atmosphere: 3 to 4 stars
Service: 3 stars
Price: $ to $$
Mike Condrin first opened Mike’s at the Yard (the Petaluma branch) in 1991. Since then, Mike’s has been a local favorite for his burgers and his ‘No Fries’ attitude. Mike’s at the Crossroads expanded the business to Cotati.
Each burger is made with half a pound of Harris Ranch Beef on a toasted bun and cooked until medium. All burgers come with cheese (because Mike thinks it should be there), and there’s no extra charge for it. All burgers come with a choice of macaroni salad, red potato salad, tossed green salad with vinaigrette, or chips. Under no circumstances will you find fries. You can read his eleven reasons why Mike doesn’t have French fries. I personally like reason number 9: ‘The burger is greasy by itself.’
Besides the Mike’s burger, you’ll also find a variety of additions that can be made to make your burger meet your tastebuds. Other burgers include: the “Go Jets” burger, Stinky Breath burger, and the Pesty Pesto Burger.
Walk into Mike’s and you’ll see the bar and the tables. The kitchen is located in the back corner on the right side. The television was on during our visit, and for your viewing pleasure are the In and Out burger t-shirts stuck to the ceiling. Each one contains a statement written in black marker about trading in the shirt for a Mike’s burger.
Upon our arrival, we were told to sit anywhere we liked, and a waitress promptly came and brought us menus. The girls were efficient and though a bit overwhelmed, they did a great job.
- Mike’s Burger – Available with bacon for an additional cost, the Mike’s burger is the most basic with a slice of cheese melted on top of the burger over a toasted bun. The top half of the toasted bun contains a mixture of chopped fresh tomatoes and pickles. A slice of lettuce, two slices of tomato, and a slice of red onion are placed upon the top half ready for you to assemble. The burger is juicy and delicious. The meat is cooked to a perfect medium, and is packed loose enough to feel soft and retain its juices. The bun is a bit on the soft side despite the toasting. For the side, I selected the tossed green salad. The kitchen gave me macaroni salad instead, but the waitress promptly brought me a large side of tossed green salad. I was disappointed by the green salad since all of it seemed to have rust on the edges. The macaroni salad wasn’t particularly exciting. I should have gone for the bag of chips. Great burger patty, and fresh fixings. $6.95
The place is not about ambiance, but it is about a good burger. Having been there only twice so far, it’s hard to tell if the bun can get toasted more, but if you like soft buns, then it’s just right as it is. I would suggest getting the bag of chips when you select your side. Great burger and great place to check out – even just to read the reasons for no fries.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
New Lai Wah - Chinese, Sacramento
5912 Freeport Blvd, Sacramento CA
(916) 428-6183
Parking: in parking lot
Last Visited: December 12, 2010
Food: 3 to 4 stars
Atmosphere: 2 to 3 stars
Service: 2 stars
Price: $ to $$
New Lai Wah isn't much to look at from the outside. If we hadn't heard that the food was good, we might have turned around and left. When you get inside, it's not much to look at either. The room is somewhat L-shaped and we sat next to the windows.
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- Shrimp with Asparagus - We had a friend who isn't Asian with us and the waiter recommended this dish highly. He said that a lot of people like it. By name, I never would have guessed that everything was fried, but the shrimp was lightly breaded and while it's a little rich, it was surprisingly good. The asparagus was really fresh and reminscent of a tempura preparation.
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- Seafood with Vegetables over Noodles Hong Kong Style - A little bit heavy on the sauce, bok choy is cooked with fish, shrimp, scallops, and calamari. While the noodles are crispy initially, because of the amount of gravy, they become soft rather quickly. A few carrot strips would improve the presentation a lot. Okay.
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Each dish was between $8 and $10. With tax and tip, the bill came to $45 with a lot of leftovers, but also note that we didn't go starving. The atmosphere is very casual, the prices are reasonable, and the food is good. Thank goodness for that because the service can feel extremely pushy and aggressive. However, if you're ever in a hurry, this is a terrific place to go because you'll blink and the food will show up, and the check will show up too. If you live nearby, I would suggest ordering take out.
(916) 428-6183
Parking: in parking lot
Last Visited: December 12, 2010
Food: 3 to 4 stars
Atmosphere: 2 to 3 stars
Service: 2 stars
Price: $ to $$
New Lai Wah isn't much to look at from the outside. If we hadn't heard that the food was good, we might have turned around and left. When you get inside, it's not much to look at either. The room is somewhat L-shaped and we sat next to the windows.
Upon receiving our menus, it was no more than thirty seconds before we were asked what we wanted to order. This was the theme for the service all evening - rush rush rush. When we asked for more time, we had probably another minute before the same waiter came again. And after telling him to come back later, we put in our order thinking that we could take a breath, especially since the place was still pretty empty.
The complimentary soup came in just another minute or two. And even after the dishes had arrived, we were probably only part way done with the meal before he showed up again asking us if we were finished eating. For crying out loud! We were still eating when he asked us this.
- Shrimp with Asparagus - We had a friend who isn't Asian with us and the waiter recommended this dish highly. He said that a lot of people like it. By name, I never would have guessed that everything was fried, but the shrimp was lightly breaded and while it's a little rich, it was surprisingly good. The asparagus was really fresh and reminscent of a tempura preparation.
- Seafood with Glass Noodles in a Clay Pot - Calamari, fish, shrimp, and scallops are cooked with glass noodles in a clay pot so that the juice from the seafood is soaked up by the noodles. The dish was very flavorful and plentiful. Presentation may appear a bit sloppy.
- Seafood with Vegetables over Noodles Hong Kong Style - A little bit heavy on the sauce, bok choy is cooked with fish, shrimp, scallops, and calamari. While the noodles are crispy initially, because of the amount of gravy, they become soft rather quickly. A few carrot strips would improve the presentation a lot. Okay. - Fish Fillet with Black Bean Sauce and Peppers - The fish fillet pieces are fresh and flaky, coated with the black bean sauce. The onions, green peppers, and red peppers are sauteed so that they remain crispy. I liked this dish the best out of the four ordered.
Each dish was between $8 and $10. With tax and tip, the bill came to $45 with a lot of leftovers, but also note that we didn't go starving. The atmosphere is very casual, the prices are reasonable, and the food is good. Thank goodness for that because the service can feel extremely pushy and aggressive. However, if you're ever in a hurry, this is a terrific place to go because you'll blink and the food will show up, and the check will show up too. If you live nearby, I would suggest ordering take out.Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Shogun - Japanese, Santa Rosa
2350 Midway Dr (located in Montgomery Village), Santa Rosa, CA 95405
(707) 575-5557
Parking: street parking
Last Visited: January 24, 2009
Food: 3 stars
Service: 3 to 4 stars
Atmosphere: 3 stars
Price: $ to $$$
Shogun is located inside the Montgomery Village shopping center. Enter the restaurant and notice the sushi bar in the rear, the typical wood decorations, blue cloth hangings, window screens with opaque white backgrounds and wood patterns, and other Asian wall hangings. Japanese and Chinese music play in the background. Natural light shines in through the windows.
The tables are forest green with a light wood border. Matching cushioned chairs continue the natural look. The table is adorned with chopsticks, white paper placemats, white paper napkins, and pictures containing various sushi. Of course, there’s also a bottle of soy sauce, and the more unusual condiment was a bottle of Japanese seasoning. Water arrived at the table after we were seated and given menus.
My friends recommended tempura and tonkatsu. When they go to Shogun, at least one person will have to get the tonkatsu. Although I didn’t try it, many others did, and the portions were quite large with two tonkatsu patties and the other typical items as described below.
- Tempura and Sashimi Lunch Bento – The bento box is served with miso soup, seasoned long bean sprouts, rice, and shredded cabbage salad. The sashimi of the day was maguro (tuna) cut into eight small bricks and laid on top of a leaf of lettuce and thinly grated daikon strings. The tempura included squash, broccoli, two pieces of shrimp, a green bean, cauliflower, a mushroom, and various other vegetables. The center of the bento box contained a segment of tomato standing on its side. The center of the rice is sprinkled with toasted black sesame. The portions are sizable, and the flavor was good. The tempura is lightly battered and just right and the sashimi was very fresh. Great. $13.95
The tonkatsu is okay - not as authentic as it could be, but authentic for Sonoma County. The portions for these dishes are large, so you'll be full. For sushi, I think it's just okay - not the best, but certainly not the worst. Just okay. Check out Shogun for some nice tempura and friendly service.
(707) 575-5557
Parking: street parking
Last Visited: January 24, 2009
Food: 3 stars
Service: 3 to 4 stars
Atmosphere: 3 stars
Price: $ to $$$
Shogun is located inside the Montgomery Village shopping center. Enter the restaurant and notice the sushi bar in the rear, the typical wood decorations, blue cloth hangings, window screens with opaque white backgrounds and wood patterns, and other Asian wall hangings. Japanese and Chinese music play in the background. Natural light shines in through the windows.
The tables are forest green with a light wood border. Matching cushioned chairs continue the natural look. The table is adorned with chopsticks, white paper placemats, white paper napkins, and pictures containing various sushi. Of course, there’s also a bottle of soy sauce, and the more unusual condiment was a bottle of Japanese seasoning. Water arrived at the table after we were seated and given menus.
My friends recommended tempura and tonkatsu. When they go to Shogun, at least one person will have to get the tonkatsu. Although I didn’t try it, many others did, and the portions were quite large with two tonkatsu patties and the other typical items as described below.
- Tempura and Sashimi Lunch Bento – The bento box is served with miso soup, seasoned long bean sprouts, rice, and shredded cabbage salad. The sashimi of the day was maguro (tuna) cut into eight small bricks and laid on top of a leaf of lettuce and thinly grated daikon strings. The tempura included squash, broccoli, two pieces of shrimp, a green bean, cauliflower, a mushroom, and various other vegetables. The center of the bento box contained a segment of tomato standing on its side. The center of the rice is sprinkled with toasted black sesame. The portions are sizable, and the flavor was good. The tempura is lightly battered and just right and the sashimi was very fresh. Great. $13.95
The tonkatsu is okay - not as authentic as it could be, but authentic for Sonoma County. The portions for these dishes are large, so you'll be full. For sushi, I think it's just okay - not the best, but certainly not the worst. Just okay. Check out Shogun for some nice tempura and friendly service.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Hakka Restaurant - Chinese, San Francisco
4401 Cabrillo Street, San Francisco CA 94121
(415) 876-6898
Parking: street parking
Hours: Mon-Thurs 11am-9:30pm, Fri-Sun 11am-10pm
Last Visited: January 7, 2017
Atmosphere: 3 stars
Service: 3 stars
Price: $ to $$$
While the commercials on the local Chinese television station are been running for some time, the 30 second spot isn't nearly as effective as the beautiful color photo menu and how enticing everything looks.
At Hakka style restaurants in general, there are three popular dishes - steamed chicken, tofu, and braised pork belly. If any of these three are bad, the place won't survive. After three visits, I've tried two of the dishes and if they're any indication, this is one of the best Hakka places in the Bay Area and maybe even on this coast.
Upon ordering, even for lunch, you receive a complimentary bowl of soup. The soup is served family style, and while service varies, sometimes, they'll portion out the soup for you, and sometimes, you're on your own. During our first visit, the server did it for us, but during the two most recent visits, they left us with the soup and went on to do other things.
- Braised Pork Belly/Chinese Bacon with Preserved Green - Chinese bacon is braised for four hours to tenderize the meat, remove the excess fat, and soak up all of the flavor of the seasonings and preserved greens. While someone unfamiliar with this dish will probably be in shock about the quantity of fat in each slice (think super thick cut bacon, but very tender meat like a shortrib), it is a very popular dish and as mentioned earlier, excess fat has come out of the meat. The completed product is placed over fresh cooked iceberg which soaks up the flavor from the juices. Absolutely delicious! Compared to the authentic style of cooking in Hong Kong, I would give this four stars, but comparing it against other versions that I've had in the US, I give it five stars. If you eat meat, you MUST order this dish. Just think, a side of pork belly at a ramen house runs about $2 for a chunk or two. This is a bargain! Don't tell anyone, but I would be willing to pay a few dollars more for this dish without blinking an eye. $8.95
- Pumpkin Strips with Salted Egg - Another one of their specialties, kabocha pumpkin is sliced into 'strips' which are more like moon shaped pieces about 1/4 inch thick, battered, and deep fried. The salted egg gives each piece a slightly sandy texture which contrasts the crunchiness of the batter. The salted egg yolk also adds some golden coloring to each piece. This is a terrific appetizer and the flavors are rich and delightful. Another must try and a great alternative if you can't enjoy the crab version of this dish (see comments below)! $7.50
- Pork Stomach with Preserved Veggies over Rice - While pork stomach is a delicacy and can be quite difficult to cook properly, I found the texture to be a little too chewy. Some pieces were better than others. The mustard greens are very fresh, and the celery gives the dish that extra crunch. $4.95
- Braised Fish Fillet and Tofu over Rice - Another dish like the two above, they give you a generous amount of fish and tofu for this low low price. Good. $4.95
I find the complimentary soup for lunch to be very generous. The first one I had was a tofu egg drop soup and the latter two visits were more Chinese herbal/dried vegetable style soups. Considering that most Chinese restaurants that serve complimentary soup only do so during lunch, this is a terrific bargain and there's really no reason not to be full at the end of the meal.
If pumpkin isn't your thing, but you still want to try the salted egg yolk over something fried, they also offer crab made this way. I'm waiting for crab season to order the dish because in summer, it's running $31 a pound which a little higher than what I'd like to pay.
Service is efficient, but not particularly warm. They get the job done and do it fast. If you want a place with servers that check on you frequently throughout the meal, you may be disappointed with that here.
Hakka is pretty busy at night and usually requires reservations. Although it's not a fancy place, the food quality is high and the dishes that I mention as being best above are superb - far and away better than what you might find in the Bay Area. I know I'll be back for more!
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Willie Bird's - American, Santa Rosa
1150 Santa Rosa Ave, Santa Rosa CA 95404
(707) 542-0861
Parking: in parking lot
http://williebirdsrestaurant.com/
Last Visited: January 22, 2005
Food: 3 to 4 stars
Service: 3 stars
Atmosphere: 4 stars
Price: $$ to $$$
Willie Bird’s has been around for a long time. The business card says it’s Benedetti’s Willie Bird’s restaurant. It’s well known for turkey, and big turkey drumsticks. You’ll see Willie Bird’s at local events, and you may also hear they have a Willie Bird’s farm. It’s family dining at it’s best.
The restaurant isn’t sparkling on the outside, but the locals know what draws you in. They have turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and the fixins’ available for take out as well as dine in. The walls are oak with lots of plates on display featuring, of course, turkeys. It reminds me of old style cruise ship dining rooms with all of the wood around. There are wooden poles with a simple décor. Near the ceiling is a shelf displaying many German beer mugs of various shapes and styles. Enter the restaurant and you’ll see the open kitchen which looks like a buffet of salad items, bread, and soup. You can watch the cooks happily doing their work. To your right is a dining room with booths. The middle room contains the oak bar which takes up a large portion of the room and has full view of the television. In the rear is another dining room, slightly more formal with green table cloths covering the tables. The lighting in the rear room is dimmer compared to the one out front. The carpeting is green, and an old metal carved chandelier hangs from the ceiling, although it isn’t lit. Lamps with green, red, and white colored glass light the room. On the oak walls are shields, armored men, and an unusual picture of kids in their hunting gear holding guns. There is a glass shelf holding more turkey memorabilia, and of course, the shelf near the ceiling contains more beer mugs.
Another feature of Willie Bird’s is the old family style food and service. With dinner, you get a choice of soup (this evening the soups were clam chowder and turkey and rice), a salad, bread, and an antipasti dish. The soup comes family style in a huge bowl so that it can be shared. The plate of antipasti includes salami, pepperocinis, olives, carrot sticks, and celery sticks.
On the table is the soup bowls stacked on top of salad plates. A folded white cloth napkin is placed in the soup bowl.
The menu contains a variety of sandwiches all ranging just under $9. There are also full dinners with many turkey options drumsticks and a seafood section too. Prime rib dinners are also available on weekends.
All sandwiches are served on whole wheat bread. An addition of avocado is available for $1 more.
- Turkey Club Sandwich – Four stacks of triangles are filled with fresh turkey, bacon, ham, lettuce, and tomato. The bread is toasted and lightly spread with mayonnaise, and the ingredients are all quite fresh. The club sandwich is accompanied with a small stack of pickles. Choice of fries, potato salad, and macaroni salad are available. We selected fries, and they were mini wedges – fresh and crispy. There were a few fries that may have been from the bottom of the pile being slightly soft, but for the most part, all of the fries were hot and crisp.
- Hot open faced turkey sandwich – Turkey breast is sliced and placed on a piece of whole wheat bread. On the side is stuffing and mashed potatoes (probably from a mix and not homemade). Brown gravy is poured over the sandwich and the sides. The stuffing is flavorful and made from wheat bread. The turkey comes in thick slices. It’s a quite filling and is a great way to sample their turkey.
During my first visit, I was impressed by the style of service at Willie Bird’s. Although we waited a while after finishing our meal to receive the check, the style of service is family friendly. The waitresses are dressed in white shirts and black pants. They treat their customers well, and it feels like the good ol’ days. They’re kind and have a caring nature about them. They handled the children at the next table well, and were familiar with the workings of Willie Bird’s.
During my second visit, it was my mission to try the soup. It looked too good during my last visit to pass up again. Tonight’s soup specials were lentil or turkey and rice.
- Turkey and Rice – The turkey and rice soup is flavorful with bits of turkey, rice, celery, and carrots. The broth is light. Good and hearty.
- Lentil soup – The lentil soup contained a variety of lentils and was thick, but not overly so. It’s warmth and nice texture make it an ideal choice for a cold evening. A touch of salt made it fit my tastes even more.
- Salad – Chopped romaine lettuce is served with chopped tomatoes, seasoned garbanzo and kidney beans, a slice of beet, a curled carrot, and a choice of blue cheese, Italian, thousand island, or ranch dressing. The dressings taste homemade. Some of my lettuce was wilted or blemished, but for the most part, the greens were good, and the portion ample.
- Roasted Turkey Drumstick – A large drumstick is roasted until tender and served with stuffing, cranberry sauce, and mashed potatoes and brown gravy. If you don’t mind removing the meat from the bone and tendons, this is a great treat to enjoy some dark meat. See stuffing and mashed potatoes comments in open faced sandwich section. Good. $13.95
- Pan Fried Chicken – The menu warns that 30 minutes should be allowed when ordering this dish. A piece of breast, thigh, wing, and drumstick are pan fried until golden brown and served with a choice of baked or mashed potatoes or French fries. A vegetable of the day, broccoli in this case, is also served with the chicken. The chicken is excellent. Juicy and succulent. I would recommend trying it out. The French fries are cut thick and crispy. The broccoli is overcooked, or at least overcooked compared to the way I like it. Great chicken. $12.95
- Turkey Stroganoff – Noodles are cooked with ground turkey chunks, mushrooms, and sauce. The stroganoff is served with a mixture of sautéed carrots and onions. The noodles are thick and the sauce evenly coats them. A hearty variation of beef stroganoff. $13.95
- Turkey Fried Steak – A large steak of ground turkey is breaded, fried, and topped with country style gravy. The steak is thick and tender. The size of the portion is great. It’s served with a side of cranberry sauce and the vegetable of the day. The breading results in a crisp and flavorful coating that is fried until golden brown. Good. $13.95
Service this evening was okay. The staff was still polite, but considering that it was a slow night this evening, and one of the water glasses at our table remained empty from the middle to the end of the meal, the service was inexcusable. We also spent some time waiting for the arrival of our check.
Overall, I enjoyed my dining experiences and would visit again. The sizes of the portions are large and you won’t leave hungry. Check out Willie Bird’s for some fine turkey dishes.
(707) 542-0861
Parking: in parking lot
http://williebirdsrestaurant.com/
Last Visited: January 22, 2005
Food: 3 to 4 stars
Service: 3 stars
Atmosphere: 4 stars
Price: $$ to $$$
Willie Bird’s has been around for a long time. The business card says it’s Benedetti’s Willie Bird’s restaurant. It’s well known for turkey, and big turkey drumsticks. You’ll see Willie Bird’s at local events, and you may also hear they have a Willie Bird’s farm. It’s family dining at it’s best.
The restaurant isn’t sparkling on the outside, but the locals know what draws you in. They have turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and the fixins’ available for take out as well as dine in. The walls are oak with lots of plates on display featuring, of course, turkeys. It reminds me of old style cruise ship dining rooms with all of the wood around. There are wooden poles with a simple décor. Near the ceiling is a shelf displaying many German beer mugs of various shapes and styles. Enter the restaurant and you’ll see the open kitchen which looks like a buffet of salad items, bread, and soup. You can watch the cooks happily doing their work. To your right is a dining room with booths. The middle room contains the oak bar which takes up a large portion of the room and has full view of the television. In the rear is another dining room, slightly more formal with green table cloths covering the tables. The lighting in the rear room is dimmer compared to the one out front. The carpeting is green, and an old metal carved chandelier hangs from the ceiling, although it isn’t lit. Lamps with green, red, and white colored glass light the room. On the oak walls are shields, armored men, and an unusual picture of kids in their hunting gear holding guns. There is a glass shelf holding more turkey memorabilia, and of course, the shelf near the ceiling contains more beer mugs.
Another feature of Willie Bird’s is the old family style food and service. With dinner, you get a choice of soup (this evening the soups were clam chowder and turkey and rice), a salad, bread, and an antipasti dish. The soup comes family style in a huge bowl so that it can be shared. The plate of antipasti includes salami, pepperocinis, olives, carrot sticks, and celery sticks.
On the table is the soup bowls stacked on top of salad plates. A folded white cloth napkin is placed in the soup bowl.
The menu contains a variety of sandwiches all ranging just under $9. There are also full dinners with many turkey options drumsticks and a seafood section too. Prime rib dinners are also available on weekends.
All sandwiches are served on whole wheat bread. An addition of avocado is available for $1 more.
- Turkey Club Sandwich – Four stacks of triangles are filled with fresh turkey, bacon, ham, lettuce, and tomato. The bread is toasted and lightly spread with mayonnaise, and the ingredients are all quite fresh. The club sandwich is accompanied with a small stack of pickles. Choice of fries, potato salad, and macaroni salad are available. We selected fries, and they were mini wedges – fresh and crispy. There were a few fries that may have been from the bottom of the pile being slightly soft, but for the most part, all of the fries were hot and crisp.
- Hot open faced turkey sandwich – Turkey breast is sliced and placed on a piece of whole wheat bread. On the side is stuffing and mashed potatoes (probably from a mix and not homemade). Brown gravy is poured over the sandwich and the sides. The stuffing is flavorful and made from wheat bread. The turkey comes in thick slices. It’s a quite filling and is a great way to sample their turkey.
During my first visit, I was impressed by the style of service at Willie Bird’s. Although we waited a while after finishing our meal to receive the check, the style of service is family friendly. The waitresses are dressed in white shirts and black pants. They treat their customers well, and it feels like the good ol’ days. They’re kind and have a caring nature about them. They handled the children at the next table well, and were familiar with the workings of Willie Bird’s.
During my second visit, it was my mission to try the soup. It looked too good during my last visit to pass up again. Tonight’s soup specials were lentil or turkey and rice.
- Turkey and Rice – The turkey and rice soup is flavorful with bits of turkey, rice, celery, and carrots. The broth is light. Good and hearty.
- Lentil soup – The lentil soup contained a variety of lentils and was thick, but not overly so. It’s warmth and nice texture make it an ideal choice for a cold evening. A touch of salt made it fit my tastes even more.
- Salad – Chopped romaine lettuce is served with chopped tomatoes, seasoned garbanzo and kidney beans, a slice of beet, a curled carrot, and a choice of blue cheese, Italian, thousand island, or ranch dressing. The dressings taste homemade. Some of my lettuce was wilted or blemished, but for the most part, the greens were good, and the portion ample.
- Roasted Turkey Drumstick – A large drumstick is roasted until tender and served with stuffing, cranberry sauce, and mashed potatoes and brown gravy. If you don’t mind removing the meat from the bone and tendons, this is a great treat to enjoy some dark meat. See stuffing and mashed potatoes comments in open faced sandwich section. Good. $13.95
- Pan Fried Chicken – The menu warns that 30 minutes should be allowed when ordering this dish. A piece of breast, thigh, wing, and drumstick are pan fried until golden brown and served with a choice of baked or mashed potatoes or French fries. A vegetable of the day, broccoli in this case, is also served with the chicken. The chicken is excellent. Juicy and succulent. I would recommend trying it out. The French fries are cut thick and crispy. The broccoli is overcooked, or at least overcooked compared to the way I like it. Great chicken. $12.95
- Turkey Stroganoff – Noodles are cooked with ground turkey chunks, mushrooms, and sauce. The stroganoff is served with a mixture of sautéed carrots and onions. The noodles are thick and the sauce evenly coats them. A hearty variation of beef stroganoff. $13.95
- Turkey Fried Steak – A large steak of ground turkey is breaded, fried, and topped with country style gravy. The steak is thick and tender. The size of the portion is great. It’s served with a side of cranberry sauce and the vegetable of the day. The breading results in a crisp and flavorful coating that is fried until golden brown. Good. $13.95
Service this evening was okay. The staff was still polite, but considering that it was a slow night this evening, and one of the water glasses at our table remained empty from the middle to the end of the meal, the service was inexcusable. We also spent some time waiting for the arrival of our check.
Overall, I enjoyed my dining experiences and would visit again. The sizes of the portions are large and you won’t leave hungry. Check out Willie Bird’s for some fine turkey dishes.
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Rustic Bakery - Cafe, Novato
(415) 878-4952
Parking: street parkingHours: Daily 7 am - 5pm
http://www.rusticbakery.com/
Last Visited: April 8, 2011
Food: 3 to 4 stars
Atmosphere: 3 stars
Service: 2 to 3 stars
Price: $ to $$
A local bakery with great pastries and great bread. Isn't that what everyone longs for near their house? Drop by for a snack or leisurely, but simple, weekend breakfast? That's what I was looking for here. When you walk into Rustic, you'll see the counter on the left with a case featuring lots of pastries, seating on your right and adjacent to the window in front of the counter, and the kitchen in the rear has a window so you can see what is being done in the back (the photo above shows the window to the kitchen). Some fresh flowers are in vases throughout the room.
Two young ladies were behind the counter and while they were not rude, they weren't particularly warm either. After ordering at the counter, I sat at one of the tables on the right. Although my friend had ordered first, my sandwich and soup came first. These are some of the pet peeves that I have - unless they tell you ahead of time that your order will take a long time, it should come in a reasonable amount of time - I don't know why my panini took 15 minutes to make since they weren't that busy. The second pet peeve is that the food should be served in the order that it was ordered in. In this case, my friend had a grilled cheese, but mine still came first. For these reasons, service falls from three stars down to two to three stars.
- Ham and Cheese Sandwich with Soup - Today's soup was minestrone. I was pleased with the heartiness of the soup. There was a lot of carrots, onions, some tomato, and small macaroni. The croutons were very good (but you do expect that at a bakery) and the soup temperature was hot. The grilled cheese and ham sandwich was very good - probably because the bread was outstanding and the thin slices of ham gave it all a wonderful texture. Good flavors and good quality ingredients. $8.95When my plate came, they forgot to give me a spoon for the sopu, and while it's unclear whether or not silverware is self-serve here, they had run out of spoons and I had to wait for them to wash some spoons before getting one. That only added to the wait time. After another three to five minutes, my dining companion got her food too.
While the sandwich and soup were good, the service has a lot of room for improvement. Hopefully they have worked through the kinks since my visit - they were still fairly new at the time. Otherwise, their dine-in orders will probably drop a bit.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Thai Mekong - Santa Rosa
52 Mission Plaza, Suite #111, Santa Rosa CA 95409
(707) 538-8382
Parking: in shopping center parking lot
Hours: Mon through Sat 11am to 8:30pm, Closed Sundays
Last Visited: May 26, 2005
Food: 3 stars
Atmosphere: 3 stars
Service: 3 stars
Price: $ to $$
Enter Thai Melong and see the shape of a T. The front area is the top of the T with a lot of tables for two and a few smaller tables that seat four. The entrance directly leads to the hallway, the bottom of the T. The textured creamy colored walls are decorated with large painted fans in this hall on one side, and no decorations on the other wall. The windows are decorated with wood carvings in each corner. In the rear of the restaurant is a wine rack and photos of Thai officials and small altars dedicated to them. The restaurant opened in December 2004.
The dark wood tables are covered with white paper placemats, a napkin, fork, and spoon. They bring glasses of water after seating you. The menus are simple - one side of the paper features Thai cuisine. The other side features teriyaki dishes and other dishes typically seen on Chinese menus.
The items shown on the menu are available with steamed rice. Add $1 to the price shown on the menu for the dinner price.
- Yellow Curry: Choice of meat (chicken, beef, or pork) is cooked in yellow curry and served in a large bowl. Carefully quartered half inch slices of potato and cut carrots accompany the meat. Steamed rice is served on the side. The curry was flavored with creamy coconut milk and with just a touch of heat. I selected chicken. Very good, especially if you like creamy sauce with your rice. $6.75
The first item listed on the menu was green curry. The interesting I found was that our server cautioned us that it wasn’t typical green curry, so we may or may not like it. My fellow tablemates had some spicy sautéed dishes. They weren’t quite as satisfied by theirs explaining that it was too salty for their tastes or not quite what they expected.
I would go back again to try the red curry. I’m a bit cautious about the other dishes though, but there are many on the list and I didn’t even mention that they have Cajun dishes too. I’m a bit curious to find out what those are like.
(707) 538-8382
Parking: in shopping center parking lot
Hours: Mon through Sat 11am to 8:30pm, Closed Sundays
Last Visited: May 26, 2005
Food: 3 stars
Atmosphere: 3 stars
Service: 3 stars
Price: $ to $$
Enter Thai Melong and see the shape of a T. The front area is the top of the T with a lot of tables for two and a few smaller tables that seat four. The entrance directly leads to the hallway, the bottom of the T. The textured creamy colored walls are decorated with large painted fans in this hall on one side, and no decorations on the other wall. The windows are decorated with wood carvings in each corner. In the rear of the restaurant is a wine rack and photos of Thai officials and small altars dedicated to them. The restaurant opened in December 2004.
The dark wood tables are covered with white paper placemats, a napkin, fork, and spoon. They bring glasses of water after seating you. The menus are simple - one side of the paper features Thai cuisine. The other side features teriyaki dishes and other dishes typically seen on Chinese menus.
The items shown on the menu are available with steamed rice. Add $1 to the price shown on the menu for the dinner price.
- Yellow Curry: Choice of meat (chicken, beef, or pork) is cooked in yellow curry and served in a large bowl. Carefully quartered half inch slices of potato and cut carrots accompany the meat. Steamed rice is served on the side. The curry was flavored with creamy coconut milk and with just a touch of heat. I selected chicken. Very good, especially if you like creamy sauce with your rice. $6.75
The first item listed on the menu was green curry. The interesting I found was that our server cautioned us that it wasn’t typical green curry, so we may or may not like it. My fellow tablemates had some spicy sautéed dishes. They weren’t quite as satisfied by theirs explaining that it was too salty for their tastes or not quite what they expected.
I would go back again to try the red curry. I’m a bit cautious about the other dishes though, but there are many on the list and I didn’t even mention that they have Cajun dishes too. I’m a bit curious to find out what those are like.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Upper Crust Pizza - Santa Fe, New Mexico
Best: Combo Pizza with green chiles (505) 982-0000
Parking: street parking
http://www.uppercrustpizza.com/
Next to the San Miguel Mission Church, the oldest church in the United States, and very close to the Santa Fe Plaza, you won't be able to miss Upper Crust Pizza. The elevated outdoor seating area is frequently busy in nice weather, and although we only ate there once, it was a memorable experience.
Upper Crust has won a few awards for best pizza in Santa Fe and top 100 independent pizzeria in the U.S. I hadn't heard about Upper Crust before going to Santa Fe, but many people were stopping in whenever we were near the area, so we decided to go in for lunch and that was one of our best tasting and most affordable meals.
All pizzas come in small or large. Since we had started to build up a little bit of a tolerance, we decided to try a pizza with green chiles on it. With four of us, we selected a large combo.
- Combo pizza - Pepperoni, black olives, green chiles, mushrooms, bell peppers, and onions top the pizza. The crust is slightly crispy on the edges and soft on the inside of the thick crust. The toppings are a perfect combination and the green chiles add a bit of a kick without making the pizza difficult to eat. I would order this again in a heartbeat. Excellent! $20.25 (price shown is for 2011)
The place is very casual. We ordered at the counter, got our number, and then enjoyed a delicious pie. I would definitely make a return trip if I am ever in the area. Yum! That's all there is to say.
Monday, June 6, 2011
Tex Wasabi's Rock-N-Roll Sushi BBQ - Santa Rosa
515 4th Street, Santa Rosa CA 95401
(707) 544-8399
Parking: street parking in front, pay parking lot in rear
http://www.texwasabis.com/
Last Visited: December 29, 2004
Food: 3 stars
Atmosphere: 3 to 4 stars
Service: 3 stars
Price: $$ to $$$
Tex Wasabi’s is located in downtown Santa Rosa. I went there before Guy Fieri became famous.
The first thing to be said about it is that it has flare. Outside, you can see the torches with the lights placed in such a way to make the torches appear flaming. The concept is certainly the first of its kind in Santa Rosa.
This looks like it would be a great place to go out with your friends for some drinks and to unwind. There are two units adjacent to one another – the unit with the entrances has the bars and the adjacent unit is the dining room. Front and rear entrances lead to the bar. There is a sushi bar near the rear of the room with a glass case displaying fresh fish, octopus, and other seafood. Patrons can sit on the raised high back chairs at the bar and watch their sushi being made. The front entrance leads to the alcohol bar on the left and on the right are small tables lining the walls also with raised high back chairs. This bar is long and takes up most of the room. It’s dark rich color along with the dark floor contrast with the creamy colored walls. The yellow/orange lamps add to the mood of the room.
Between the two bars is the entrance to the dining room. In this room are large tables seating anywhere from two to six people. It’s very spacious and what’s nice is that a table for six is often used to seat four. Mirrors line the side of this room, giving the room an open feel. Adjustable track lighting sits above the tables, and additional recessed lamps also light the room. There is a window in the front of the room that brings in natural light. The tables have a mixed green surface and are dark burgundy near the edge. The dark burgundy runs throughout the room, below the mirrors, and on the wall behind the sushi bar in the dining room. From the ceiling dangle large Asian folding fans. On the wall is a large wood frame that has clean lines.
The tables have plates with small dipping sauce plates on top. A fork and knife are folded into a black napkin roll. Multiple wooden chopsticks in their paper wrappers sit in a holder on the table along with the drink menu.
Service was prompt and courteous. So onto the food.
- Killer Egg Rolls – A new addition to the menu based on customer feedback, two egg rolls are cut on the bias and served on a black triangular plate on top of red cabbage. Mandarin oranges decorate the tips of the plate. The egg rolls contain marinated chicken, cabbage, bean sprouts, carrots, ginger, onion, and garlic. A teriyaki dipping sauce accompanies the egg rolls and there is a drizzle of the sauce on the egg rolls as well. The egg rolls themselves are hot with a crispy wrapper. There is a nice blend of flavors. The presentation was very nice, but the word egg roll really conjures up something different in my mind. Chicken is basically never used in an authentic egg roll. I would have preferred that this be named killer chicken rolls or chicken egg rolls. $6
- Vegas Fries – Shoestring French fries are tossed in buffalo sauce and served with bleu-sabi. These shoestring fries are turned orange by the coating of the buffalo sauce, and actually seem hotter when dipped into the sauce. They’re piled high on an oval metal plate and taste good when hot out of the deep fryer. Of course, as the meal winds down, you’ll find they may have gone soggy, but are good if you like buffalo wings. Probably best eaten with a large group of people unless you’re a fry maniac. $4
- Pulled Pork Sandwich – Three pork sliders are served with your choice of one side. Three small square buns are in a row and ready to be pulled apart. They’re filled with a thin layer of coleslaw on top of a layer of pulled pork in barbecue sauce. I selected shoestring fries as my side, and they were lightly seasoned with salt and pepper. The sandwich and fries were also served on a metal plate with a slice of orange and some decorative greens. Not what I was expecting, but okay. $7
Sushi rolls range from $5 to $15. The sushi is presented well on square white plates, and small rectangular plates. One comment from another member at the tables was that one of the larger rolls (the Tres Amigos) was cut too big so that it was difficult to eat. The comments I heard about the gringos rolls, in particular the Jackass roll (French fries and barbecue pork paired with avocado), was that it didn’t taste right although it was creative.
I seemed to have missed the southwestern part of the décor. Aside from the bar in the front, most of the décor seemed to be aimed toward the Asian side rather than the BBQ side.
It’s hard to pinpoint what I don’t like about Tex Wasabi’s. The food is fresh. The presentation is nice. Service is good. So what’s wrong? Well, one thing is that when I asked for extra napkins to wipe my hands after eating my pork sliders, I got cloth napkins, and in fact, I found a hair on my new napkin. I prefer paper napkins when wanting extra napkins. Yet that’s not it. Maybe it’s because the napkins are black, so you can’t see where you’ve touched it, and you can’t find a new place that’s clean to wipe your hands because you don’t know what’s clean. Well, it’s probably the hair on the napkin.
Price is okay for some items and on the expensive side for other items. It’s still hard to decide what I don’t like about the place, but it boils down to being good at more than one thing or really excelling at the one thing you’re good at. In this case, I would prefer to go to two specialty restaurants, one for my barbecue, and one for my sushi. Tex Wasabi’s is creative, but just not a combination that interests me. It’s new and different, but not quite what I’m looking for. Check it out and decide for yourself.
(707) 544-8399
Parking: street parking in front, pay parking lot in rear
http://www.texwasabis.com/
Last Visited: December 29, 2004
Food: 3 stars
Atmosphere: 3 to 4 stars
Service: 3 stars
Price: $$ to $$$
Tex Wasabi’s is located in downtown Santa Rosa. I went there before Guy Fieri became famous.
The first thing to be said about it is that it has flare. Outside, you can see the torches with the lights placed in such a way to make the torches appear flaming. The concept is certainly the first of its kind in Santa Rosa.
This looks like it would be a great place to go out with your friends for some drinks and to unwind. There are two units adjacent to one another – the unit with the entrances has the bars and the adjacent unit is the dining room. Front and rear entrances lead to the bar. There is a sushi bar near the rear of the room with a glass case displaying fresh fish, octopus, and other seafood. Patrons can sit on the raised high back chairs at the bar and watch their sushi being made. The front entrance leads to the alcohol bar on the left and on the right are small tables lining the walls also with raised high back chairs. This bar is long and takes up most of the room. It’s dark rich color along with the dark floor contrast with the creamy colored walls. The yellow/orange lamps add to the mood of the room.
Between the two bars is the entrance to the dining room. In this room are large tables seating anywhere from two to six people. It’s very spacious and what’s nice is that a table for six is often used to seat four. Mirrors line the side of this room, giving the room an open feel. Adjustable track lighting sits above the tables, and additional recessed lamps also light the room. There is a window in the front of the room that brings in natural light. The tables have a mixed green surface and are dark burgundy near the edge. The dark burgundy runs throughout the room, below the mirrors, and on the wall behind the sushi bar in the dining room. From the ceiling dangle large Asian folding fans. On the wall is a large wood frame that has clean lines.
The tables have plates with small dipping sauce plates on top. A fork and knife are folded into a black napkin roll. Multiple wooden chopsticks in their paper wrappers sit in a holder on the table along with the drink menu.
Service was prompt and courteous. So onto the food.
- Killer Egg Rolls – A new addition to the menu based on customer feedback, two egg rolls are cut on the bias and served on a black triangular plate on top of red cabbage. Mandarin oranges decorate the tips of the plate. The egg rolls contain marinated chicken, cabbage, bean sprouts, carrots, ginger, onion, and garlic. A teriyaki dipping sauce accompanies the egg rolls and there is a drizzle of the sauce on the egg rolls as well. The egg rolls themselves are hot with a crispy wrapper. There is a nice blend of flavors. The presentation was very nice, but the word egg roll really conjures up something different in my mind. Chicken is basically never used in an authentic egg roll. I would have preferred that this be named killer chicken rolls or chicken egg rolls. $6
- Vegas Fries – Shoestring French fries are tossed in buffalo sauce and served with bleu-sabi. These shoestring fries are turned orange by the coating of the buffalo sauce, and actually seem hotter when dipped into the sauce. They’re piled high on an oval metal plate and taste good when hot out of the deep fryer. Of course, as the meal winds down, you’ll find they may have gone soggy, but are good if you like buffalo wings. Probably best eaten with a large group of people unless you’re a fry maniac. $4
- Pulled Pork Sandwich – Three pork sliders are served with your choice of one side. Three small square buns are in a row and ready to be pulled apart. They’re filled with a thin layer of coleslaw on top of a layer of pulled pork in barbecue sauce. I selected shoestring fries as my side, and they were lightly seasoned with salt and pepper. The sandwich and fries were also served on a metal plate with a slice of orange and some decorative greens. Not what I was expecting, but okay. $7
Sushi rolls range from $5 to $15. The sushi is presented well on square white plates, and small rectangular plates. One comment from another member at the tables was that one of the larger rolls (the Tres Amigos) was cut too big so that it was difficult to eat. The comments I heard about the gringos rolls, in particular the Jackass roll (French fries and barbecue pork paired with avocado), was that it didn’t taste right although it was creative.
I seemed to have missed the southwestern part of the décor. Aside from the bar in the front, most of the décor seemed to be aimed toward the Asian side rather than the BBQ side.
It’s hard to pinpoint what I don’t like about Tex Wasabi’s. The food is fresh. The presentation is nice. Service is good. So what’s wrong? Well, one thing is that when I asked for extra napkins to wipe my hands after eating my pork sliders, I got cloth napkins, and in fact, I found a hair on my new napkin. I prefer paper napkins when wanting extra napkins. Yet that’s not it. Maybe it’s because the napkins are black, so you can’t see where you’ve touched it, and you can’t find a new place that’s clean to wipe your hands because you don’t know what’s clean. Well, it’s probably the hair on the napkin.
Price is okay for some items and on the expensive side for other items. It’s still hard to decide what I don’t like about the place, but it boils down to being good at more than one thing or really excelling at the one thing you’re good at. In this case, I would prefer to go to two specialty restaurants, one for my barbecue, and one for my sushi. Tex Wasabi’s is creative, but just not a combination that interests me. It’s new and different, but not quite what I’m looking for. Check it out and decide for yourself.
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Pizza Pizza!! Sunset Magazine's Favorite Pizza in the SF Bay Area
Although this article is about a year old, it's still worth checking out if you love pizza!
http://www.sunset.com/food-wine/techniques/pizza-00400000063254/
So far, I've only been to four (Pizzetta 211 - San Francisco, Pizzeria Picco - Larkspur, and Gialina - San Francisco, Tony's Pizza Napoletana - San Francisco) on this list of ten, but now that I'm armed with the list, I'll be ready to make my way to the rest of them soon. One of the places that I think should be included is Cheeseboard Pizza in Berkeley - Sunset missed them, but that's why Sesame Tea Eats is here :)
http://www.sunset.com/food-wine/techniques/pizza-00400000063254/
So far, I've only been to four (Pizzetta 211 - San Francisco, Pizzeria Picco - Larkspur, and Gialina - San Francisco, Tony's Pizza Napoletana - San Francisco) on this list of ten, but now that I'm armed with the list, I'll be ready to make my way to the rest of them soon. One of the places that I think should be included is Cheeseboard Pizza in Berkeley - Sunset missed them, but that's why Sesame Tea Eats is here :)
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Uruapan Taqueria - Mexican, Petaluma
1905 Bodega Ave, Petaluma CA 94952
(707) 773-4800
Parking: in parking lot
Last Visited: April 5, 2008
Food: 4 stars
Atmosphere: 3 to 4 stars
Service: 4 stars
Price: $$ to $$$
John recommended we try Uruapan, and what a great place it is. It was a bit hard to find, but look for the green sign. Enter Uruapan and be surprised by its immaculate cleanliness. The whole restaurant has a clean and fresh appeal about it, like a little country outfit.
The windows bring in lots of bright lot. The green tabletops and the maple chairs add to the fresh feel. The floor is linoleum and light in color. The walls are painted white, and there are lots of ceramic Mexican art hanging from them including suns, moons, and even fish are placed adjacent to Mexican paintings. There are also green plants displayed on the walls. In the rear is a large glass wall refrigerator displaying the drinks. The main counter is wood that is light in color, and the kitchen is open. Everything is kept very clean. On the counter itself are lots of tostada shells and baskets of fresh chips. Fluorescent lights on the ceiling add to the brightness in the room.
The tables have paper placemats with a folded napkin triangle in the center. A single bottle of hot sauce and salt and pepper shakers are placed on the table along with a small woven basket containing sugar. Upon our arrival, we were brought glasses of water. After ordering, we received a basket of homemade chips and two kinds of salsa. The red salsa was fresh with a sweet and tangy flavoring. The green chile salsa was slightly sweet with a bite. After looking more closely at the menu, I found that the first serving of chips and salsa are complementary. Additional servings will be $0.75 each. The chips are great though – light and crispy, so it’s worth it if you love chips, they’re fresh.
- Tortilla soup – The tortilla soup comes packed with goodness. Chicken broth is used as the base. Crispy thick tortilla strips are placed at the bottom of the bowl and topped with the cooked potatoes, squash, jalapenos, tomatoes, onions, and carrots in soup. Fresh cilantro, fresh chopped tomatoes, and fresh chopped onion top the cooked veggies. A dollop of sour cream and a sprinkling of cheese are placed on top of everything. This soup is wonderful. It’s hearty and filling. It’s served very hot and that just makes it taste even better. The ingredients are fresh and whole so that everything is soft, without being mushy. A must try. 5 stars. $5.75 small, $10 large
- Chicken Enchilada – Shredded chicken is cooked in a rolled tortilla and topped with green chile salsa that is heated through. A dollop of sour cream and a dollop of guacamole top the enchilada. This was excellent. 5 stars. The flavors compliment each other very well. The enchilada is served very hot and on a very hot plate. It tasted great with the green chile salsa creating that extra zip that makes it different from other enchiladas. $2.95 a la carte
- Carnitas Taco lunch combo – The menu says that Uruapan is a town in the Southern part of the state of Michoacan, Mexico, world famous for its carnitas. The lunch combination comes with salad, rice, and beans. Unfortunately, my carnitas taco came cold, and the beans and rice were cold too. The salad was made of chopped romaine lettuce topped with a drizzle of salad dressing. The refried beans had a creamy texture and nice flavor, but it was cold, and that was disappointing. The rice was average in appearance, but also had nice flavor; however, since it was cold, it also wasn’t as great as it could be. The carnitas was topped with chopped cilantro and onion and placed on two small tortillas. Again, the cold temperature ruined this dish, and everything came out tasting just average. I would be willing to try this dish again, but it would have to be served hot, so I probably wouldn’t order anything else with it in hopes that it might arrive immediately after it was plated. On my second return trip, I didn’t order the carnitas taco, but another person did. This second try was much better with the carnitas stripped into plump chunks and glistening with juices. $6.50
- Super Burrito – A large burrito, about the length of the oval plate, is filled with rice, beans, guacamole, tomato, onion, sour cream, cilantro, lettuce, and your choice of meat. I selected carnitas. The burrito is topped with ranchero sauce and a little bit of melted cheese. It was a large portion and very filling. Great fresh flavor, and there’s a lot more cilantro than your typical taquerias. Great taste and a great bargain. It’s gone up in price by $2 since my last visit, but still a lot of food for the price. $7.95
- Jamaica – The Jamaica here is very sweet and deep violet. $1.50
Uruapan is a great place to check out. It’s probably the cleanest taqueria I’ve ever visited. The tortilla soup and enchilada are excellent. I can’t give the carnitas a thumbs up rating, but I would be willing to order it again to see if it improves. Try out Uruapan some time.
(707) 773-4800
Parking: in parking lot
Last Visited: April 5, 2008
Food: 4 stars
Atmosphere: 3 to 4 stars
Service: 4 stars
Price: $$ to $$$
John recommended we try Uruapan, and what a great place it is. It was a bit hard to find, but look for the green sign. Enter Uruapan and be surprised by its immaculate cleanliness. The whole restaurant has a clean and fresh appeal about it, like a little country outfit.
The windows bring in lots of bright lot. The green tabletops and the maple chairs add to the fresh feel. The floor is linoleum and light in color. The walls are painted white, and there are lots of ceramic Mexican art hanging from them including suns, moons, and even fish are placed adjacent to Mexican paintings. There are also green plants displayed on the walls. In the rear is a large glass wall refrigerator displaying the drinks. The main counter is wood that is light in color, and the kitchen is open. Everything is kept very clean. On the counter itself are lots of tostada shells and baskets of fresh chips. Fluorescent lights on the ceiling add to the brightness in the room.
The tables have paper placemats with a folded napkin triangle in the center. A single bottle of hot sauce and salt and pepper shakers are placed on the table along with a small woven basket containing sugar. Upon our arrival, we were brought glasses of water. After ordering, we received a basket of homemade chips and two kinds of salsa. The red salsa was fresh with a sweet and tangy flavoring. The green chile salsa was slightly sweet with a bite. After looking more closely at the menu, I found that the first serving of chips and salsa are complementary. Additional servings will be $0.75 each. The chips are great though – light and crispy, so it’s worth it if you love chips, they’re fresh.
- Tortilla soup – The tortilla soup comes packed with goodness. Chicken broth is used as the base. Crispy thick tortilla strips are placed at the bottom of the bowl and topped with the cooked potatoes, squash, jalapenos, tomatoes, onions, and carrots in soup. Fresh cilantro, fresh chopped tomatoes, and fresh chopped onion top the cooked veggies. A dollop of sour cream and a sprinkling of cheese are placed on top of everything. This soup is wonderful. It’s hearty and filling. It’s served very hot and that just makes it taste even better. The ingredients are fresh and whole so that everything is soft, without being mushy. A must try. 5 stars. $5.75 small, $10 large
- Chicken Enchilada – Shredded chicken is cooked in a rolled tortilla and topped with green chile salsa that is heated through. A dollop of sour cream and a dollop of guacamole top the enchilada. This was excellent. 5 stars. The flavors compliment each other very well. The enchilada is served very hot and on a very hot plate. It tasted great with the green chile salsa creating that extra zip that makes it different from other enchiladas. $2.95 a la carte
- Carnitas Taco lunch combo – The menu says that Uruapan is a town in the Southern part of the state of Michoacan, Mexico, world famous for its carnitas. The lunch combination comes with salad, rice, and beans. Unfortunately, my carnitas taco came cold, and the beans and rice were cold too. The salad was made of chopped romaine lettuce topped with a drizzle of salad dressing. The refried beans had a creamy texture and nice flavor, but it was cold, and that was disappointing. The rice was average in appearance, but also had nice flavor; however, since it was cold, it also wasn’t as great as it could be. The carnitas was topped with chopped cilantro and onion and placed on two small tortillas. Again, the cold temperature ruined this dish, and everything came out tasting just average. I would be willing to try this dish again, but it would have to be served hot, so I probably wouldn’t order anything else with it in hopes that it might arrive immediately after it was plated. On my second return trip, I didn’t order the carnitas taco, but another person did. This second try was much better with the carnitas stripped into plump chunks and glistening with juices. $6.50
- Super Burrito – A large burrito, about the length of the oval plate, is filled with rice, beans, guacamole, tomato, onion, sour cream, cilantro, lettuce, and your choice of meat. I selected carnitas. The burrito is topped with ranchero sauce and a little bit of melted cheese. It was a large portion and very filling. Great fresh flavor, and there’s a lot more cilantro than your typical taquerias. Great taste and a great bargain. It’s gone up in price by $2 since my last visit, but still a lot of food for the price. $7.95
- Jamaica – The Jamaica here is very sweet and deep violet. $1.50
Uruapan is a great place to check out. It’s probably the cleanest taqueria I’ve ever visited. The tortilla soup and enchilada are excellent. I can’t give the carnitas a thumbs up rating, but I would be willing to order it again to see if it improves. Try out Uruapan some time.
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