Taqueria La Morena - Mexican, South San Francisco

307 Baden Ave, South San Francisco CA 94080
(650) 589-4447
Parking: street parking and pay parking lot across the street

Last Visited: August 5, 2012

Food: 3 to 4 stars
Atmosphere: 3 stars
Service: 3 stars
Price: $ 

Audrey told me about the burritos at La Morena, so when a coworker suggested we go there, I knew exactly what I was going to order. 

La Morena is pretty easy to find with it being located in a two story building.  You enter the restaurant and order downstairs at the counter.  The menu is posted above the counter and they offer a lot of typical dishes that you would expect to see at a taqueria - nachos, tortas, enchiladas, tamales, tacos, tostadas, and of course, burritos.  Seating is available both upstairs and downstairs and you're surrounded by colorful murals.

Like so many taquerias in this area, chips and salsa cost extra.  However, if you order chips, there is some blended salsa, both green and red, available at the salsa bars.  Choice of meat available include carne asada, carnitas, lengua, chicken, al pastor, chile verde, and chile colorado. 

- Super Burrito - Choice of meat with rice, beans, tomato, salsa, hot sauce, cheese, sour cream, and guacamole.  The hot sauce is made with green tomatillos, but I didn't really taste it.  I got a side of green salsa from the salsa bar and it was definitely a little bit hot.  Nothing to be afraid of though.  The meat was succulent and moist and the contents of the burrito blended very well together.  The tortilla was hot and had just the right texture.  Half of a burrito was filling enough for lunch.  Yum.  $6

- Nachos - The menu claims that there are enough nachos to serve two and I would agree if you're light eaters.  If you can finish a whole burrito, you would probably be able to enjoy the full plate of nachos without an issue.  With a generous amount of meat, salsa, sour cream, guacamole, beans, and melted cheese, you will enjoy this plate.  However, it's more noticable in the nacho plate that the guacamole and sour cream are a bit diluted.  $6.50 Full order, $5.50 half order

While it's not a fancy place, the food portions are large, and the flavors are good. 

El Pinto - Mexican, Albuquerque, New Mexico

10500 4th St NW
Albuquerque, New Mexico
(505) 898-1771
http://www.elpinto.com
Parking: in parking lot

Last Visited: Summer 2005

Food: 3 to 4 stars
Atmosphere: 3 stars
Service: 3 to 4 stars
Price: $ to $$


Established in 1962, El Pinto's is the place to go to try out New Mexican flavor, especially if you are new to the Anaheim chile.  It's like going to Chevy's with a more New Mexican twist, so if you're comfortable with large restaurants, you'll feel comfortable here.   And the best part of it all was being able to bring home some El Pinto's salsa - you can enjoy mild, medium, or hot.

The restaurant is a little dated in its setup with the Christmas lights hanging in the area during summer.  While one could say it brings a romantic feel, I think that it might not be as modern as it could be.  Nevertheless, the food is solid and probably would be a great backup for when you don't want to cook.

- Taco Salad - Seasoned meat (choice of pork, chicken, or beef) topped with lettuce, sour cream, pinto beans, rice, guacamole, tomato, and your choice of chile.  It's what you would expect of a good taco salad and is definitely filling.

- Taco Plate - Two tacos with your choice of beef, chicken, or cheese and machaca. We chose one with chicken and one with beef.  Served with rice, beans, and a basket of sopapillas (which is common with lots of restaurants in this area), you're very likely to be full.  They also have a number of plates with three tacos.  Good. 

While this was a dinner visit, it's good to know that lunch specials are very reasonable - you'll find a number of them for around $10.   The staff is abundant and they're efficient, and the food portions are large.  You definitely get good value when you come here.  I would be happy to come back or order some more of their salsa.

Fonda - Tapas, Albany

1501 Solano Avenue, Albany CA 94707

(510) 559-9006

Parking: street parking

Hours: Daily Afternoon Siesta 5pm - 7pm, Dinner 5 pm -12:30 am, Late Night Happy Hour 9 pm -Close

Weekend brunch 10:00 am - 3 pm

http://www.fondasolana.com/

Last Visited: September 25, 2011

Food: 3 to 4 stars

Atmosphere: 3 to 4 stars

Service: 3 to 4 stars

Price: $$ to $$$$

Beth recommended Fonda for a dinner and drinks event that we were having for a large group.  The casual, but busy atmosphere made for a comfortable environment for the group to chill and hang out. 
After eating our way through the menu that night, I thought it might be fun to take a foodie friend there to try some new dishes. 

Beth loves the duck tacos and I remember enjoying them during my first visit, so I got them again. 

- Duck Tacos - Served with with guacamole and arbol salsa.  I love guacamole.  The quantity of guacamole is abundant and the duck is super tender.  The dish is quite rich, but I could probably eat four of these and not be full.  Good.  $7.50

- Seared sea scallops - Served with frisee, orange segments, and saffron-aji amarillo aioli.  This is a really refreshing and light dish.  The scallops are seared well and flavorful, but it feels like just a bite. I could probably make this at home without too much difficulty.  $13.50

- Grilled Rack of Lamb - Churasco style with chimichurri.  The lamb was tender and not gamey. The chimichurri is flavor. I liked this dish quite a bit, but pricing is on the high side even for tapas.   $15.25

- Sauteed Spinach - with apples, raisins, and pine nuts.  The spinach was a little too salty today.  The last time I had it was more balanced, but even the sweetness of the raisins and apples weren't enough to offset the quantity of salt. $6


- Grilled calamari - with cherry tomatoes and siquil-p'ak.  This was one of the most memorable dishes, and not in the best way.  The calamari was tender and the tomatoes were fresh.  However, the siquil-p'ak was a mystery to us.  Siquil-p'ak is made from pumpkin seeds and roasted tomatoes.  It is typically served as a dip. This mixture was kind of fluffy and didn't have a lot of flavor.  Despite trying it with the calamari and on its own, I just didn't feel like it fit in - most likely because the texture wasn't appropriate for a dip.  Salsa or guacamole would have been a welcome substitute.

After splitting all of this food with my buddy, I was still hungry.  So we ordered the fish tacos. 

- Fish Tacos - The fish is lightly fried and served with radish slaw, coriander, and aioli.  The crema against the crunchy breading of the fish was really good.  Both my dining companion and I agreed that we actually liked the fish tacos more than the duck tacos.  $7.50

So open up your wallets or come when you're not too hungry.   Alternately, there is a late night happy hour when some of these dishes are available at a reduced price.
 
The noise level increased as the evening wore on, so be aware of that when you go.  It might not be the best place if you don't want to be shouting at one another by the end of the meal.

The final word on Fonda - it's good food in a fun atmosphere and is especially ideal for groups, but the prices are a little steep for dinner considering the portions offered.

Rutherford Grill - Rutherford

1180 Rutherford Road, Rutherford, CA 94573
(707) 963-1792
Parking: in parking lot

Last Visited: August 18, 2008

Food: 3 to 4 stars
Atmosphere: 3 stars
Service: 2 stars
Price: $$$ (note that prices shown are from 2008)

Dorothea said this was a good place to eat and Julian said the cornbread is probably the best he's eaten - even though he normally doesn't like cornbread.  With those kind of reviews, Rutherford Grill was definitely worth a try.

While you could come here dressed up, it was also appropriate for those casually dressed too.  The place is actually pretty large and we sat in a booth.  From my recollection, service was just okay.  It took a while to seat us, and the staff was ok, but we did feel a little neglected at times - when the water needed refilling and the like.

- Iron Skillet Cornbread - If you like corn bread with stuff in it, you'll like this one.  It's sweet and crusty, with corn, jalapenos, and hints of bacon.  If you're on a diet, don't look at the bottom of the skillet.  It's rich and if you're eating it on your own, you could just enjoy it as a meal. $6

- Caesar Salad – The lettuce in the Caesar salad was chopped fine and heavily coated with dressing. The parmesan was grated and the croutons were medium sized. I found that the portion was good sized – we shared it amongst the three of us gals. However, there was noticeable rust on multiple pieces and since everything was so thoroughly chopped, it lacked a bit of the crunchy goodness I look forward to enjoying in a good Caesar. Of all the dishes tried tonight, I would say this was the least impressive, but still okay. $10 ($13 in 2011)

- Prime Rib - Aged Angus, roasted on the bone, served with mashed potatoes colcannon.  I liked the prime rib.  It was juicy and tender, but I don't think it's the best prime rib that I've ever had.  Compare it to the House of Prime Rib and it doesn't make the cut as something that I would select instead.  Good.  $29

- Leg of Lamb - I'm not sure if this was a seasonal item, but it's not on the menu all of the time.  The leg of lamb was succulent and tender.  It didn't taste gamey, but had nice seasoning.  $22

Of all the items we tried, the most memorable was definitely the cornbread.  If you're in the area, it's worth trying and the food is good, but it doesn't make my list for places that I have to go back to again and again.  Due to its location, it's usually packed on the weekends, so it's a good idea to make a reservation ahead of time.

La Tapatia Mexicatessen - Mexican, South San Francisco

Best: Burrito, Chicharrones

411 Grand Ave, South San Francisco CA 94080
(650) 589-5881
Parking: street parking
Hours: Mon-Sat 7am - 7pm, Sun 7am - 6pm
http://latapatiassf.com/

Last Visited: June 27, 2012
Food: 4 to 5 stars
Atmosphere: N/A
Service: 3 stars
Price: $ to $$

I was really excited about trying La Tapatia, to try a burrito that has a reputation.  Despite the fact that there isn't any seating, there is a steady line at the grill and people seem to order burritos endlessly. 
Since this was my first time visiting, of course I had to try a burrito.  Here you can see the size of my super burrito which is just a little longer than the plastic knife.

- Super Burrito with Carnitas - This mass of goodness is a bargain for the price.  I only ate half of one and was quite content.  Choice of meat (carne asada, chicken, carnitas, chicharron, al pastor, and more), refried or whole beans, salsa, sour cream, lettuce, salsa, cheese, and hot sauce fill the burrito.  The texture of the contents is so comforting and creamy.  I really enjoyed this burrito and give it a best rating.  $5.80

- Chicharrones - There are two types of fried pork skins featured in their deli case.  The kind shown here were super fresh and almost every piece was fried to perfection.  Very flavorful.  The next time I go, I'll try the other type of fried pork skin which is larger in length and thicker, so it's not quite as airy/puffy in texture.  $6.99 per pound

- Regular Taco with Carne Asada - Since there isn't a place to sit, the taco is wrapped in foil and quickly steams, making it a bit challenging to handle.  The carne asada was super delicious - each tiny cube of meat was so flavorful and slightly crisp from the grill.  I'm not sure of what the difference is between the regular and super taco, but these were very good.  Eat it quickly because it starts to fall apart fast. $2.45

Other menu items include quesadillas, nachos, tortas, tostadas, chile relleno, and even a tamale plate.  Another thing to know - the place only accepts cash and chips are sold by the pound. The place is small, and service can be a bit haphazard.  The first person takes the order and cooks the meat on the grill.  The second person adds the toppings and wraps the food.  The third person serves as the cashier, and by the time you get to the cashier, you feel a bit like you have played a game of telephone.  Everyone is friendly, but it feels like there are issues with translating the order down the line. However, I would definitely go back to La Tapatia to try out some of the other dishes and go back for the burrito.  Yummy.

Gorilla Barbeque - Pacifica

Best: Philly Cheese Steak and Pork Ribs

2145 Coast Highway 1, Pacifica, CA 94044
650-359-RIBS (7427)
Parking: in parking lot
Hours: Wed - Mon 12pm -8pm or sell out, Closed Tuesdays
http://www.gorillabbq.com/

Food: 4 stars
Atmosphere: N/A
Service: 3 stars
Price: $ to $$$
Last Visited: June 20, 2012

I saw this funny place on Guy Fieri's Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives, and I couldn't resist checking it out.  Pacifica offers such gorgeous views that it's easy to drive past the orange train car sitting along Highway 1.  Locals tell me that Gorilla BBQ was not thriving - business was fairly slow until Guy featured the place on his show.  Now there are lines out the door.

There isn't any place to sit, so be prepared to eat in the car or take the delicious BBQ with you.  One of the owners,  Rich Bacchi, was there when we ordered.  You'll recognize him because of the many rings and the letters PORK RIBS tatooed to his fingers.

- Philly Cheesesteak - Made with their brisket, bell peppers and onions are grilled on the flat top along with the meat and a little of their homemade BBQ sauce.  The combination fills a lightly toasted soft roll that contains melted cheese.  The meat is so tender and the bread is super fresh.  I ate it before I remembered to get out my camera - it was that good.  The sandwich combo also comes with a side (choice of mac N' cheese, coleslaw, grilled veggies, corn on the cob, potato salad, and beans over rice).  The mac N' cheese doesn't even enter the picture for me - while the pasta is well-flavored, I think a lot of the seasoning is powdered and I prefer a creamier sauce.   It was a little cold by the time I got to eat it (probably because I was devouring the cheesesteak) so I tasted a lot of garlic powder - more than I would like for my mac. The cheesesteak is a must try though. $8.50

- Pork Ribs - Available as part of a combo or a side dish, you can enjoy the 'bark' on the pork rib and the richness of the meat.  While it wasn't completely fall of the bone, some pieces were very close.  The tangy and slightly spicy bbq sauce really pairs well with the meat.  The portion is generous - three large ribs with lots of meat on them.  $5.75, Rack of ribs $23

Other items on the menu include beef brisket, rotisserie chicken, hot links, and pulled pork.  A lot of folks end up enjoying their meal in the parking lot, and somewhere on the premises are some picnic tables.  It's usually too cold and windy to be eating outside there, but you're bound to be full after eating some Gorilla BBQ.  I will definitey be back!