Luigi's Restaurant & Pizzeria - Italian, Pacifica

950 Linda Mar Blvd, Pacifica CA 94044
(650) 355-0944
Parking: strip mall parking lot
Hours: Mondays, Thursdays, Sundays 2pm-8pm; Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays 12pm-8pm, Closed Tuesdays

Last Visited: September 25, 2024

Food: 4 stars

Atmosphere: 2 stars

Service: 3 stars

Price: $$

If you are ever in Pacifica, you'll want to stop by Luigi's Restaurant & Pizzeria, and if you're lucky, you'll get to meet Luigi himself.  He'll share stories of when his restaurant started, how his family made these rice balls, how he built his life here in the Bay Area, and more.

Located in a small strip mall in a residential neighborhood, it's easy to drive by and not even notice the place.  The inside decor is very simple and more reminiscent of a home party setting than restaurant dining, it's easy to look past all this when you taste the amazing comfort food.

- Rice ball - You will definitely want to take advantage of having the best rice balls around.  While these in the picture are a little lighter in color than normal, they're still filled with delicious ground beef and peas, surrounded by rice.  I had asked for the meat sauce to be packaged on the side since I was taking these home, but they're the best arancini around.  Golf ball-sized goodness that is lightly breaded and served with scrumptious sauce. They're so much better than these dainty things you get at the fancy Italian places - this is more like what you would expect your Italian grandma to make.  Yum! Occasionally, it's not available at lunch, but I've only run into that a couple of times.  $3.50 each

- Luigi's Supreme Combo (Medium shown in the photo) - Unlike many other places, Luigi's has held prices since Covid! That means that you can get a medium combo pizza for only $19.95!  You can't even get this kind of discount at the big chains with this quantity of toppings.This combo has onions, pepperoni, green bell peppers, sausage, ham, and mushrooms.  The toppings are fresh and the crust is just the right thickness.  I have yet to visit Luigi's without getting a pizza.  Small 6" $14.95, Medium 8" $19.95, Large 10" $23.95, Extra Large 12" $25.95

I've also tried their lasagna and garlic bread. Good stuff.  

While the decor is super simple, it gets the job done.  If you're looking for fine dining, this is not the right restaurant for you.  Dine in can be a bit slow, and the level of service really varies depending on who is working there.  While the food will take the same amount of time, if they are busy, it may take some time to flag down someone to come to the dining area.  If Luigi isn't busy, he'll come sit with you and visit for a while, so give yourself plenty of time for dine in.  Take out has been pretty consistent.  The only challenge I have run into is that if I arrive too early upon opening and some staff are running late, not all of the staff knows how to use the credit card machine; you'll still get great food though.  This hasn't deterred me from going back though.  I still love being able to support this small business. 

When in Pacifica, this is a great stop! I highly recommend the food.

Gianni's Pizza - Italian, Monterey

725 Lighthouse Ave, Monterey CA 93940
(831) 649-1500
Parking: in parking lot
Hours: Mon-Thurs open from 3:30pm, Fri-Sun open from 11am
https://www.giannispizzamonterey.com/

Last Visited: May 9, 2015

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

It's been several years since I visited this place, but Edwin recommended it and he knows great places for large groups and good food.  It's one of those classic places with the red and white checkered tablecloths, a rather large space with tables of assorted sizes to accommodate small and large groups, and a general buzz that lets you know it's a place for locals and tourists alike.  It's old school in decor, but the flavors are solid and you'll feel right at home.  The place was getting packed even though it was pretty early in the dinner hour. 

We had a reservation and arrived with the table set for us.  The menu is comprised of Italian classics - pizza, pasta, calzones, sandwiches, and salads. 

Four of us decided to share a large classic caesar salad and a Gianni's signature pizza and a few of us got gelato afterwards from the front counter. 

- Classic Caesar - Available with or without chicken.  The salad was fresh and croutons were crispy.  Regular and family size available.  We got a family size and found it easily shareable. 

- Gianni's Special: Combination of cheese, pepperoni, onions, mushrooms, black olives, bell peppers, and fresh Italian sausage.  I really enjoyed the crust - just as it should be - crusty and soft as you bite the edge with a great sauce and good combination of toppings.  I can see why this is one of their signature pizzas.  Servings are hearty - they don't skimp on ingredients.  Five sizes of pizzas are available - from mini at 8" to XL at 18".  They also offer a 10" gluten free crust for those with dietary restrictions. 

There are 13 pizzas that they call their signature and of course, you can create your own.  I enjoyed two flavors on this visit. 

The gelato was located at the front counter and there were more than twenty flavors to select from.

If this place was in my hometown, I would surely be a regular.  If you're visiting, it's a great stop if you need a break from the local seafood or tourist spots.  I'll definitely swing by the next time I'm in Monterey and would gladly recommend it to others.

Atlas Pizza Parlor - San Bruno

637 San Mateo Ave, San Bruno CA 94066
(650) 553-5005
Parking: street parking
Hours: Mon-Thurs 10a-12a, Fri-Sun 10a-1a

Last Visited: July 22, 2018

Food: 3 stars
Atmosphere: 3 stars
Service: 2 to 3 stars
Price: $$ to $$$

Atlas Pizza opened on San Bruno Avenue a few months ago and since there aren't too many Indian pies in the area, I wanted to give it a try.  Newly remodeled, the big space has been divided into four sections - the dining area, the kitchen, and private two areas which seem to be primarily used for storage and a ping pong table in the back that isn't open for public use.

The front seating is ample, facing the three large screen televisions mounted on the wall and a side wall with various sports figures. On the television today were Olympics archery and a soccer game.

A large menu is printed above the counter and features Italian pizzas, Atlas Fusion Pie, subs, appetizers, salad, chicken wings, and pasta.  Although their printed menu says they serve BBQ, their only bbq offering is chicken wings.  You won't find other typical bbq items.  From the sign above the counter, there is no way to tell that they have a wide variety of juice and smoothie offerings, but a whole page is dedicated to this in their printed takeout menu.  All items are halal.

I decided to split my pie so that it was half Italian and half fusion to try out both.

- Medium Half Mighty Meaty (Red sauce, pepperoni, ham, ground beef, sausage, red onions, mushrooms, and mozzarella cheese) and Half Atlas Tandoori Chicken Pie (creamy garlic sauce, mozzarella cheese, bell peppers, red onions, diced tomatoes, tandoori chicken, green onions, and fresh cilantro) - First, the crust was very fresh tasting and the edges stayed crispy.  The menu specifically notes the fresh hand made dough.  The tandoori chicken pie was really good - smooth and creamy with a mild taste compared to the Italian half, but very flavorful.  The only improvement would have been to add more chicken.  On the Italian side, the toppings were more moist and had gone through to the bottom of the crust so that the pan showed juices flowing through.  This side was also significantly saltier than the tandoori side.  Overall, I would recommend the tandoori chicken pie since the Italian didn't stand out in comparison.  Medium 12' whole pie - Fusion $12.99, Italian $12.99

From a service standpoint, there is a lot of room for improvement.  There were some challenges understanding each other as I asked for water and there were a few exchanges before it was clear on their end that I wasn't ordering coconut water.  Also, when completing your order, you'll get a number on a stand.  All that number does is remind you of your number when it's called so that you can go retrieve your order - nobody brings you any food.  There's no point to having a number on a stand.  In some cases, I saw people go up for their pizza and about ten minutes later, go retrieve their chicken wings.  They weren't given a number at all.  Instead, the person behind the counter just yelled out 'hello' in their general direction.  For dine in, you get those super thin paper plates, and only one per person.  One of mine was dirtied by pizza sauce smudges.  When you enter or exit, there is no greeting for anyone, so don't expect a hello or thank you.

In summary, try a fusion pie and lower your service expectations.

Cotogna - Italian, San Francisco

490 Pacific Ave, San Francisco CA 94133
(415) 775-8508
Parking: street parking
Hours: Mon-Thurs 11:30a-10:30p, Fri-Sat 11:30a-11p, Sun 5p-9:30p; Bar open throughout the day
http://cotognasf.com/

Last Visited: July 5, 2016

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

Chef Todd recommended Cotogna for housemade pasta.  Since I was in the neighborhood for a workshop, I decided to stop by for a super early dinner/snack.  It was barely 5pm when I arrived so they were just about to change to their dinner menu, which apparently is like the day menu, but with a few different drink options.

Cotogna is Quince's casual restaurant.  The decor has a lot of wood and the place feels cozy.

Menu items include a variety of pasta, several pizzas (you can see the oven depending on where you sit), hearty meat entrees, and local produce.  

- Tagliatelle al Ragout Modenese  - This pasta had a lot of depth of flavor.  Speck, oxtail, pork and two other kinds of meat - the sauce was rich and coated the pasta.  The sauce would be great over any carb - potatoes, rice, or something else.  The portion is pretty small - it's definitely a first course.  Don't let this dish get cool because then it might feel greasy. $23

- Strichetti con Pesto Genova - Bowtie pasta is coated in pesto and a lot of parmesan.  Green beans and purple potatoes are also mixed in with this toothsome pasta.  If you don't like your pasta al dente, you will probably want to skip this one, but it's great for vegetarians.  I really enjoyed the pesto. $20

Overall, the pasta was delicious. Prices are on the high side for the quantity.  The photos are pretty close up so you don't get a full sense of scale, but they're small.

Generally speaking, service could use some improvement.  Since we were there pretty early and not quite ready for a full meal, perhaps the staff thought we were ordering too little, but there is a hint of the staff being stuck up.  I didn't detect this at all from the hostess, but between our three servers (they seem to share all of the tables), I felt that at least two of them were disappointed that we weren't ordering more.  What they do well is that they check on you as dishes come out and give you plates for sharing the pasta, but there is just this hint of arrogance that I didn't enjoy.  Expect to spend a lot more if you are hungry or going for more than a snack.  For a snack, it's the right quantity, but expensive.

Marcella's Lasagneria - Italian, San Francisco

1099 Tennessee St, San Francisco CA 94107
(415) 920-2225
Parking: street parking
http://www.marcellaslasagneria.com/
Hours: Mon-Fri 11:30a-3:30p dining, 3:30-5p pick up only

Last Visited: March 31, 2016

Food: 5 star lasagna
Atmosphere: 3 stars
Service: 4 stars
Price: $$

I was volunteering at the SF Marin Food bank and looking for a restaurant nearby for lunch.  When I saw that there was a lasagneria only a few blocks away, I knew I couldn't pass up the opportunity to eat my favorite food.  Chef Massimo Di Sciullo has an impressive resume, but just a taste of his lasagna tells you that he has an amazing skill to balance textures with depth of flavor to create a masterpiece.

Hailing from the Abruzzo region, Chef Massimo brings authentic flavors and offers seven (yes, seven!) different lasagnas to contribute Marcella's menu.  The casual establishment is set up like a deli inside with a large deli case displaying cold trays of lasagnas; outside seating is also available. This isn't a fancy place - all of the food is served on paper plates and in paper cups, but they do give you real silverware.

- Lasagna Bianca - Each lasagna is served in a 14 oz portion with 6 layers of ultra-thin pasta.  I guess white lasagnas are unique to the Abruzzo region, and this one contained bits of pancetta, onions, bechamel, and parmigiano reggiano.  Mozzarrella tops the lasagna.  The pasta was so tender - clearly recognizable as being home made.  The blend of cheeses and bechamel with the salt from the pancetta - it's a taste of heaven! I savored every bite of creamy goodness - crispy on the bottom and edges, this lasagna is perfect!  I ate the entire thing. $11.50

It was such a great experience that I took a cold Abruzzo lasagna home.

- Lasagna Abruzzo - The house made Italian sausage blended well with the spicy tomato sauce.  This lasagna had such a different flavor, but was equally wonderful. $11.50

Gianfranco served us, and he was super-friendly.  He was kind enough to ask me whether I planned to cook the lasagna in a microwave or oven and gave me specific instructions to have the perfect cook time.

I only wish this place was open for longer hours or on the weekend - I would be here all of the time. If you're anywhere in the neighborhood during their business hours, you must try this place!

Ca'Bianca - Italian, Santa Rosa

835 Second St, Santa Rosa CA
(707) 542-5800
Parking: small parking lot, street parking
http://www.cabianca.com/
Hours: Lunch Mon-Fri 11am-2:30pm, Dinner Weeknights 5pm to 9pm, Dinner Weekends 5pm-10pm

Last Visited: October 31, 2009

Food: 4 stars
Atmosphere: 3 stars
Service: 4 to 5 stars
Price: $$$ to $$$$

Built in 1876, the white house in which Ca'Bianca is located is a historic site.  Recently renovated, it has a cozy feel of the old world with cuisine that blends various areas of Italy including Milano and Sicilia.

Our visit was particularly festive since the waitstaff were dressed in their Halloween garb - there's nothing like a server with a Jason mask or blood dripping from her neck to make you a bit more alert to the service.   The dim lighting would probably typically be called romantic, but it fits well into the Halloween theme too.

- Fitto Misto - Crispy calamari and shrimp, although the portion was a bit small.  $10

- Lamb chops - Very nicely done and juicy. $23

- Venison - Tender meat without any gaminess.  The sides, including potatoes and veggies, petite, but the overall dish is filling. $26

I appreciated the attention to detail of the wait staff and their friendliness as they welcomed us to Ca'Bianca and served us through the evening.  From the menu to the quaint feel of the restaurant's atmosphere to the furnishings, it's definitely exudes more of a classic feel.  This is a great restaurant for a fancy dinner for a subdued crowd or romantic night out. 

Piccino Cafe - Italian, San Francisco

1001 Minnesota St, San Francisco CA 94107
(415) 824-4224
Parking: street parking
Hours: Tues-Sun 11am-10pm, Closed Mondays
http://www.piccinocafe.com/

Last Visited: April 27, 2013

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

Lee recommended Piccino as a great place for dinner, so I went to check it out with the girls.  We wanted to try a variety of dishes, and since the pizza was highlighted by multiple people, I made sure we tried it. 

When we got to Piccino, it was just starting to fill up for dinner, and before long, the whole place had filled up.  Reservations aren't required, but if you have a larger party, there are a limited number of tables for large groups, so reserve ahead. 

The decor is rustic with wood tables and floors.  The chairs are modest and the large table in the center had a display of lemons.  The bar on the side remained busy through the evening, and the large number of windows bring in a lot of natural light. 

- Salad - Asparagus, burrata, heirloom polenta, watercress, salsa verde - I didn't know what heirloom polenta was and asked the hostess whom explained that the polenta is made in an old way and that it tasted good.  So with that recommendations, I ordered it and it was delicious.  If you like fried tofu, it's quite reminiscent of that - crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.  This is probably amongst the best polenta that I've had.  While the asparagus was tender, it may have been better if it was baby asparagus.  The burrata was soft and paired with the salsa verde, the flavors were quite good.  However, the watercress was a bit disappointing - these large leaves and stems were a little tough and would have been better left off the plate.  Great polenta and burrata - I would have been happy with double the amount of those items only. $13

- Potato Gnocchi - octopus, pepperoncino, marinara - The marinara was really tasty and the gnocchi was tender.  I really liked the sauce with the spiciness coming from the pepperoncino and the sweetness from the tomatoes (San Marzano probably), but the portion was minuscule.  The octopus was just okay - I wouldn't have missed it if it was gone.  $13

- Pizze Funghi - Roasted mushrooms, stracchino, shaved garlic - Mushrooms are roasted, run through a food processor, and spread over the pizza along with the cheese.  Garlic slices and parsley are sprinkled on top of the pizza.  The mushroom flavor is pretty intense and complements the cheese well.  The texture and presentations of the ground mushrooms may not be for everyone - I personally prefer to have them sliced. The pizza has a very thin crust, and overall, it's pretty good - crispy crust all the way around with little brown bubbles on the edges. $16

- Pizze Salsiccia - Housemade sausage, mozzarella, red onion - The sausage is broken into pieces and sliced red onions and parsley are sprinkled on top.  I preferred this flavor profile better, but the sausage could have been spread out more evenly across the entire pizza.  The crust on this pizza was equally thin and delicious.  Good. $15

- Zeppole - Vanilla Bean Crema, Berry Marmelatta - Five zeppole are served in a bowl with a sweet berries over a dollop of crema on the side.  The zeppole are lighter than a donut, but denser than a cream puff.  The color of the zeppole was a beautiful golden brown and each had been rolled in sugar.  I actually liked the zeppole without the crema which was nicely infused with vanilla beans, but too thick in texture - more like frosting and too viscous.  The berries are a nice balance with their sweetness and tartness.  $7

While service is good for the most part, I found that some of the servers lacked warmth and when we were deciding on a dessert, the server seemed a bit impatient.  The hostess on the other hand is very friendly and perhaps that contrast makes the other server appear even less friendly.

Other offerings for the evening included cod, lamb, and pork and beef polpette. Serving sizes are on the smaller side, so if you like to try multiple dishes, you'll definitely be able to do so, but it makes sharing a little difficult.  Ingredients are fresh, but if the watercress and asparagus had been a little younger, they could have been five star dishes.   Piccino has solid offerings overall.

Cafe Pesto - Italian/Pizza, Hawaii

Best: Pizza

61-3665 Hwy 270
Kawaihae, Big Island, HI 96743
(808) 882-1071
Parking: in parking lot
Hours: Sun-Thurs 11am - 9pm, Fri-Sat 11am - 10pm
http://cafepesto.com/

Last Visited: October 2012

Food: 4 to 5 stars
Atmosphere: 4 stars
Service: 4 to 5 stars
Price: $$

Located in the Kawaihae Shopping center by the harbor on the South Kohala Coast (as well as at a locaiton in Hilo Bay), Cafe Pesto is an amazing find for great Italian food.  If you talk to the locals, a good Italian restaurant is hard to find and buying premade pizza dough is also a struggle.  At this location, it's a little easy to miss if you drive by the area too fast, but if you make an effort to find it, Cafe Pesto is a delight for its great food and outstanding service. 

There are a variety of items on the menu including calzones, pizzas, pastas, soups, salads, and more.  You'll find classic Italian dishes,  Asian fusion dishes such as Thai Curry Shrimp, Seared Poke with Spinach, and what I would typically describe as Californian such as crab quesadillas. 

We arrived just when Cafe Pesto opened for lunch and were promptly seated in their dining area.  Black and white checkered floors, wood tables, and light yellow walls covered with local artists' works filled the restaurant.  Each table also had a fresh rose on the table - what a nice touch.

A lot of locals frequent the restaurant and I watched how the servers were super friendly with the elderly regulars whom were dining near us. The server of that table even gave the elderly women at the table a fresh flower for their hair - so sweet.

Nohea was our server and she was excellent. She memorized our order and since the pizza took more than 15 minutes to arrive, she brought us a few pieces of warm bread, probably the pizza crust, with herb butter which was a delicious combination. 

Wood fired, hand tossed pizzas are available in 9 inch and 12 inch diameters.  These are definitely some of the best pizzas that I've had in a while.  The dough is lightly brown and crisp on the outside and soft on the inside.  While the dough is a little soft in the center, it still holds up fine to the toppings.

- Pepperoni Classico - Italian sausage, dry salami, pepperoni and red onion - The toppings were super fresh with the red onion shaved super thin and sweet.  The sweetness paired well with the salty meat.  Everything tasted super fresh and the fresh grated parmesan accented the pizza.  $12.95 -  9 inches

- Pizza Luau - Kalua-style pork, local sweet onions and fresh Hawaiian pineapple - This is like pulled pork, super succulent in flavor and textures.  The onions were also shaved thin and were sweet and this is probably the first time that I've had fresh pineapple on a pizza and it was wonderful.  It would be hard to go back to canned pineapple which seems to be the only thing you can find on the mainland. If you like pineapple on pizza, you have to try this.  $11.95 - 9 inches

The pizzas were delicious and so delicately balanced in flavor.  The sauce paired well withthe toppings and each bite bursts with flavor.  Wonderful.  The service was also exceptional - I don't think I've had a server this good in a restaurant with this pricing level for some time.  She had great timing for coming to check on us and provided amazing service.  I also appreciated the paper comment card that accompanied the check.  Cafe Pesto strives to give you the best food and service and they do a terrific job.  Their Hilo location also has a great reputation.  Must try.

Bottega - Italian, Yountville

Best: Creamy Polenta Under Glass

6525 Washington Street, Yountville CA 94599
(707) 945-1050
Parking: in parking lot
Lunch: Tues - Sun 11:30am-2:30pm, Dinner: Sun-Thurs 5pm-9:30pm, Fri-Sat 5pm-10pm
http://www.botteganapavalley.com/

Last Visited: December 17, 2011

Food: 4 to 5 stars
Atmosphere: 3 to 4 stars
Service: 4 to 5 stars
Price: $$ to $$$$

After recent experiences at Food Network chef restaurants (Morimoto Napa and Tyler Florence's Rotisserie and Wine), I was starting to think that I should stop going to these pricy restaurants because I just wasn't happy with what I was getting.  When I shared these experiences with friends, my coworker Brent said that Michael Chiarellos' was different because Chiarello is actually there and able to maintain the quality of his restaurant's food while the others tend to leave their name on the restaurant, but are rarely seen.  Since Brent's a fellow foodie, I trusted his suggestion and decided to make the trip to Bottega.  While I enjoy watching all three programs that feature these chefs, I have a weak spot for Italian food, so it was a fairly easy decision to make.

When you enter the shopping complex, you can visit Chiarello's shop, Napa Style, featuring some of his own products as well as some of his fellow Food Network chef's products too.  Located across from Bottega, you can easily stock up on gray salt, a prominently featured item on his show, or marinated olives.  If you arrive early, you might even consider picking up some bread from the Bouchon Bakery, located across the street. 

We arrived a little early for our reservation and were quickly seated.  The hostess staff could be a little warmer, but they were efficient.  We were seated in the room immediately behind the hostess station.  The bench seat on one side is lined with tables for two that are a bit too close together.  One can hear your neighbor's conversation without even straining, but aside from this, the brick walls, and warm earth tones of the decor are inviting and not at all stuffy.  The copper water cups are unique and add a uniqueness to the place setting.

When we had completed our order, we were given hot bread and a parmesan olive oil dipping sauce.  The parmesan chunks are plentiful and acts more like a spread for the crusty bread.  While we were waiting for the food to arrive, I even saw Chiarello bustling around, but he soon left the building for another engagement.

Our server, James, was very impressive.  Watching his demeanor with not only our table, but those around us, showed he was incredibly seasoned as a server, completely aware of the wine list and its offerings, as well as providing guidance for food selection to those whom asked.  It's been a long time since I've been served by someone as good as James.  He noticed I was taking pictures and even thanked me for enjoying my dishes both visually and taking our time to savor every bite.  Love that!

- Pesce Crudo - The fish special changes daily.  Three squares of yellowfin tuna are topped with a little marinated garnish and microgreens.  These are then placed on a brushed sauce of black trumpet mushrooms.  A drizzle of olive oil tops the entire plate.  Each piece of tuna were incredibly fresh and had a really delicate flavor.  While the black trumpet sauce had a very strong mushroom flavor when eaten on its own, I found the overall flavor to be missing when eaten with the fish.  While visually appealing, I think the tuna would have been just perfect even without the black trumpet sauce.  Very good.  $15

- Monterey Calamari -  Calamari is lightly coated with arborio rice flour and served with a grilled lemon half and an aioli nero.  While the calamari was tender and lightly crisped and the black aioli was an interesting twist on the typical aiolis you see served with this dish, I found the quantity of calamari to be too small for the price.  Another 50% more would have seemed more reasonable for the price.  This is the right amount for one person, but not quite enough to share.  $10

- Polenta Under Glass - A mason jar arrives on a plate along with a small earthenware pitcher containing balsamic game sauce.  Inside the mason jar is creamy polenta topped with a cheese topping that has been crisped/baked.  Caramelized mushrooms top the cheese.  We followed the chef's suggestion to mix all of the ingredients together and serve the mixture on the plate, then pour the balsamic game sauce on top.  The server shared that pouring all of the sauce into the glass would result in the sauce overpowering the polenta.  I've eaten quite a bit of polenta, and usually, I walk away from it disappointed.  However, this time, I found it amazingly exceptional.  The polenta is so fine-grained that you can barely taste the grains anymore.  The polenta has a pudding-like texture and the pieces of broken cheese crisp and mushrooms add a great textural element to each bite.  The mushrooms are full-flavored, and each bite is really delicious. This is a must try dish.  $12

- Pan Roasted Gnocchi - The gnocchi is browned on its side and cooked with autumn root vegetables.  It's placed next to a sauce of beautiful orange heirloom squash pesto and topped with grated Valley Ford Montasio.  A light coating of creamy sauce brings them all together.  The pan roasting really changes the texture of the gnocchi from puffy to slightly crisp on one side of the gnocchi.  The pan roasting adds a depth of flavor that I didn't know gnocchi could have.  While the first impression of the plate is colorful, but small in quantity, the richness of the dish reveals that the quantity is just right after all.  The root vegetables are petite and sweet, complementing the gnocchi well.  The pesto of butternut squash is also sweet, but not overpowering.  I played with eating the gnocchi in its light cream sauce as well as with combining the gnocchi with the squash sauce.  This was a fun to eat dish that I enjoyed a lot.  $17

- Smoked & Braised Natural Short Ribs whole grain mustard spaetzle, Sicilian pickles, quince paste & smokey horseradish jus - One good-sized short rib has meat that is super tender and really does fall off the bone.  Each bite is delectable and juicy.  The Sicilian pickles were alright, but I didn't care for the spaetzle.  If you like crunchy spaetzle, you will enjoy it a lot, but I found that the crunch made it sort of dry.  The short rib is delicious. $28

I had a great overall impression of Bottega.  The food is well done, though the portions tend to be on the smaller side.  The short rib should come with a vegetable and the calamari quantity could be increased at least by 50% more at these prices.  The pesce crudo, though wonderful, reads more Japanese than Italian in preparation and presentation.  The truffle parmesan fries, ordered by the table next to us, looked extremely inviting and is on my list to get the next time I come.  Service is really exceptional and you never feel rushed.  Most of the wait times between courses were short, but the wait time for the main entree was a bit longer than I would have liked.  Indeed, Bottega is worth a visit, and I hope to be back soon.

Pizzeria Capri - Sonoma

1266 Broadway, Sonoma CA 95476
(707) 935-6085
Parking: in shopping center parking lot

Last Visited: November 1, 2006

Food: 3 stars
Atmosphere: 2 to 3 stars
Service: 2 to 3 stars
Price: $$ to $$$

I haven’t been to Pizzeria Capri for more than ten years. The last time I went, they had just opened in Sonoma. We had brought a coupon – yes, those things really do get you in the door – and the staff’s reaction was so poor that we never went back despite its convenient location just a few miles from downtown.

Upon walking in the door, we were immediately directed to a seat. There isn’t a host, so it’s bit of a frantic hustle and bustle, but the lead waitress seems to have things under control. The rest of the staff is a bit flighty in comparison. More about this below.

The décor is simple. Older wooden tables, some with the finish rubbed off, simple chairs, and two televisions – the larger television is in the rear room and a smaller televisions is above the counter. A wall with openings separates the rooms. The large windows make the restaurant feel slightly bigger, and the yellow walls with brown trim gives the place a fresher look. However, the floor and the tables show the wear of the establishment, and the overall look is a bit dated. Pizzeria Capri is a great candidate for Restaurant Makeover, but it has its charm. Posters of past local events line the walls. After ordering the pizza, we saw the calamari and were tempted to try it.

- Fried Calamari – A plate comprised primarily of fried calamari rings and few tentacles is placed on top of a larger plate and served with two ramekins. One ramekin contains marinara sauce. The other contains ranch with a dollop of pesto sauce. The calamari is deep fried until the light batter is just golden and placed on a plate that has been lightly covered in chunky marinara sauce. Coarsely chopped parsley tops the dish. The calamari was tender and the coating was light and flaky. The sauces were more than ample, and we appreciated that since many places tend to skimp on dipping sauce. The pesto adds color and flavor to the ranch dressing. Very good. $8

- Pizza: Capri Special – There are a number of choices in pizza topping combinations. The Capri special didn’t list the specific toppings, but I figured it would be a combination of meat and vegetables. Our medium crust pizza (not thick, not thin) was topped with red sauce, cheese, bell peppers, green onions, mushrooms, sausage, pepperoni, salami, and olives. Great. The crust was crispy on bottom and the pizza had a nice flavor. It wasn’t too soggy nor too dry. It had just the right texture and dipping the crust in the ranch sauce from the calamari made it even better. $18 for medium

- Milk $2

As for the service, the young bus boy was a bit inexperienced. Although he took our individual plates when we had finished with our calamari, he didn’t take the main dish despite it being empty. He’s polite in asking if he may take your plate, but not quite experienced enough. Also, when he answered the phone when I initially called, he could have been more professional.

If you’re a local, look for coupons in the advertising mailer. There were many locals there, and the food is pretty good. Other entrees include standard pasta fare which is available a la carte or with choice of salad or soup.

Lo Coco - Italian, Berkeley

1400 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley CA 94709
(510) 843-3745
Parking: street parking
Hours: Tuesday through Sunday 5pm to 10pm
http://www.lococospizzeria.com/index1.htm

Last Visited: July 15, 2007

Food: 3 to 4 stars
Atmosphere: 2 to 3 stars
Service: 2 stars
Price: $$$ to $$$$

We entered Lo Coco and found that the restaurant temperature was extremely warm this summer evening. They must not have air conditioning, and there is little ventilation despite the door being open. This evening, the restaurant was fairly crowded and in general, the tables are spaced fairly close together. The distance is such that if you reach your arm out, you’ll hit another table.

The room is painted a warm light yellow and the small halogen lights above only add to the temperature. One wall has a large advertisement showing a photo of a hotel against an ocean background with lettering showing contact information for the hotel located in Palermo. The windows line the other side of the restaurant. The kitchen is located in the rear, and each table is covered with a tablecloth as well as a large sheet of white paper. Columns and part of one wall have mirrors to create the illusion of a larger room.

Each place was set with a fork and knife wrapped in a cloth napkin placed on top of a dish. Parmesan in a glass container and olive oil are also placed on the table. The wait staff is dressed in black shirts or tank tops with an apron around their waist.

Upon entering the restaurant, it took a while for anyone to pay attention to us. After the waitress had come back to the hostess station to retrieve items for setting up the table several times, she finally told me she would be back in a moment (this occurred after about three trips to the station before I was acknowledged). Most of the wait staff members are in their twenties, and though they seemed to know what they were doing, they weren’t very good at hosting or greeting. Hardly a smile could be found except when the check was brought to a table. The menu consists of a variety of pizza, a list of pasta dishes, specials, appetizers, salads, and a few seafood plates.

Once seated, we were given menus and asked what we wanted to drink. Once she had finished taking our order, we were given our drinks and she returned a few moments later with the flatbread that came with the meal. As she brought our four pieces of flatbread, she dropped one onto the table and then used her hand to pick it up. First, what are you doing? Why not use a bigger plate? Second, a bunch of crumbs landed in my drink. Considering I was drinking water, she should have offered me another glass. Third, using your hand? What? This is gross. Who knows what you have touched? Pens, menus, dishes? Tongs would have been more appropriate, or a paper napkin. She did apologize, but it shouldn’t have happened in the first place and was hardly handled appropriately for a food establishment.

The bread was hot out of the oven, but that leaves no excuse. Shaped like a large stick, also known as pizza dough, the bread is browned and has a crusty taste. I would have loved to have some marinara sauce with it.

- Linguine with Clams – Served in a lemon butter white wine sauce, al dente linguine is mixed with manila clams for a rich tasting pasta dish. The quantity was good and there is tons of garlic slices to add to the flavor. Good. $12.95

Overall, I found the service to be fair. It took a while before anyone came to refill the water. After serving the food, they did come to check on us, but the overall demeanor was not friendly. The one good thing is that you aren’t rushed to complete your meal quickly and vacate the table, but there is a lot of room for improvement on how to treat the customer. When the check was brought, the dish used to hold the bill was colorful, but chipped. Small items like this are not huge cause for concern, but it leaves the customer with just one more ding on their list for Lo Coco. When we left the restaurant, two of the wait staff was standing near the door, but they continued to chat and did not thank us for coming in. The lack of attention to detail keeps their service rating at two stars. Although the food is good, I think there are better places with a complete package elsewhere and I would likely try those first before returning. Not to mention, considering the amount of garlic in the sauces, mints or candy would have been a nice touch – another missing item.

Ristorante La Toscana - Italian, San Rafael

3751 Redwood Hwy, San Rafael CA 94903
(415) 492-9100
Parking: in parking lot
Hours: Mon-Sat 11:30am to 10pm, Sun 11am to 9:30pm
http://www.ristorantelatoscana.com/

Last Visited: August 13, 2006

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

Enter Ristorante La Toscana and you’ll find the bar to your immediate left and the dining room to your right. It’s a bit dark inside the foyer, but it reminds me of classic Italian restaurants. The restaurant is known for its classic Tuscan style dinners and has been around since 1985. For many years, I heard that they serve good food, but I hadn’t actually had the chance to try it until now.

The main dining area is separated by a wood wait station. The walls are sponged in light orange and cream and the floors are carpeted with a dark flowered carpet. The ceiling is high and there is a skylight. The chandeliers are rather old in style, but I suppose it adds to the feeling of classic Italian dining – you could say it takes you back about a decade or two ago. The tables are covered with white tablecloths and large white paper sits under each place setting. You can tell that the place is a bit on the older side. There are large plants placed around the edges of the room. The chairs are somewhat old looking with the rose colored plastic seat and wood back. However, it still has a charm about it.

The staff primarily consisted of the owner who hosted this evening, a middle aged male server, and many young women, all appropriately dressed in black with the exception of the young lady hostess.

The menu consists of very classic Italian dishes – pasta, veal, prime rib, rack of lamb. The dishes are fairly priced, and quite a bargain when you see the portions. Looking around, I noticed that during this dinner service, most of the patrons were fairly senior. There were few tables of younger people – whether adults or children.

- Minestrone Soup – The minestrone contained vegetables in a tomato based soup, but the soup had an almost creamy color. There were pieces of zucchini, kidney beans, bacon, and much more. It was a hearty and rich bowl of soup that is sure to fill your stomach. Very good. Cup $4, Bowl $5.50

- Gnocchi della Casa with choice of sauce – These house made gnocchi were delicious. Fluffy pillows indeed. I selected Bolognese sauce - the meat was tender and the tomatoes had cooked down until thick. They use lots of herbs in this sauce, so I did find myself picking some larger pieces of herbs out, but overall, it was delicious. The portion is quite generous, or perhaps it’s just very filling. Other sauces available include tomato and basil, pesto, and panna. Parmesan cheese was served on the side and available for me to add. See additional comments below. $12

- Rack of Lamb – Four bones worth of lamb are served in a creamy brown sauce with Swiss chard on the side and also a side of potato wedges that were baked. The potato wedges, skin still on them, were delicious – crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Very yummy. The Swiss chard was cooked until tender and lightly seasoned. The cream sauce for the lamb was flavored just right, and the lamb was truly cooked to medium – pink in the middle. I was quite impressed. Very good. They also offer this dish for two at double the price. I don’t know why that’s offered, but maybe that would be a good question to ask next time. $22

The only thing about my food that was surprising was the gnocchi leftovers. Although they made for a terrific meal the following day, I was disappointed to find a piece of metal from the scrubber used to clean pans and pots. Fortunately, I had detected it in my mouth since I was on alert detecting those large herb pieces. I called Ristorante La Toscana and told them of my finding, and they assured me they would change out all of the scrubbers. He mentioned that I could tell the maitre d’ the next time I came in and they would treat me to dinner. However, he didn’t take down my name or anything like that.
Overall, I had a good dining experience. I would say the service was a little odd though. With the results of my calling to alert them of the scrubber, as well as the actual service received, I dropped the four star service rating down to three. During my actual visit, the service was good right until we had finished the meal. Then it seemed as though we waited for ten minutes before the bus person came to clear our table. Another ten minutes floated by as we waited for our server to come back with the check. This pretty much put a damper to the service part of the experience, but by watching what was happening at the tables around me, I leave their service at three stars. One table was unhappy about something and was given a free cup of soup. Another table had received their check when one of the guests decided to have coffee, and the server was kind enough to take the check back and redo it. Both of these responses led to holding their service rating to three stars. Unfortunately, the thing that also dropped the rating was the lack of being genuine when it comes to sincerity. l just didn’t feel that our server was being real. The falseness behind her general style of service was so high that you could feel it – and that just isn’t good.

Try out La Toscana for good classic Italian food. Keep an eye on the food itself and look forward to large quantities.

The Villa - Italian, Santa Rosa

3901 Montgomery Drive, Santa Rosa, CA 95405
(707) 525-7755
Parking: in parking lot

Last Visited: December 26, 2005

Food: 2 to 3 stars
Atmosphere: 3 to 4 stars
Service: 2 to 3 stars
Price: $$ to $$$

The Villa has been around for a long time. It’s known for its excellent views of Santa Rosa, the multiple dining areas, and the reasonably priced food. Set atop a hill, the restaurant offers a view of the city lights which are particularly nice on clear evenings. Parking is ample.

The dining areas are spacious and work well for small tables and groups. There is a separate dining room that is ideal for larger parties. The setting is pleasant and in winter, there’s a cozy feeling about the place. Most of the rooms have large windows bringing in lots of natural light during the day. In the evening, the mirrors placed along the large columns create a nice effect while making the room brighter by reflecting light from the lamps above. The high ceilings give the restaurant a nice elegance.

There is also a bar featuring sports programming. Multiple dining areas are available.

White tablecloths adorn the tables. Upon arrival, you’ll receive bread and butter. All entrees include choice of salad or soup which seems less common these days, so that’s certainly part of the appeal.

The dishes at The Villa vary. The fish of the day is usually a safe bet. It’s typically salmon or a mild fish and served with a lemon butter sauce. The pasta is not as good. It’s usually gone past the al dente stage and is too soft. The sauce also gets watered down by the pasta water and the pasta dishes I have tried are typically disappointing. The cuts of meat are average, but I think the fish is their specialty.

The Villa is great for those seeking a bargain, but food quality can vary. Atmosphere is nice, and service is good, but not outstanding. Also if you plan to eat here and are on a budget, the local newspaper offers a 2 for 1 deal every week.

After my most recent visit, I revised the comment about the meat. Both the prime rib and lamb were very nicely done. See comments below.

I selected the salad today, and the salad was very fresh. Fresh romaine, a cherry tomato (although one of the salads didn’t have any tomato), and cucumber slices were part of the salad. Great. The only down side was that as our salads were presented, some waiters offered freshly ground pepper, but ours did not (and I like fresh cracked pepper on my salad).

- Prime Rib – A prime rib is cooked to your taste and served with a small cup of au jus. A baked potato and vegetables accompany the meat. The potato and prime rib were just about perfect. I asked for medium and got between medium and medium well. The vegetables weren’t very good though, at least not to my taste. The broccoli was overcooked. The portion was quite satisfactory, and great for the price. ~$14

- Roasted Rack of Lamb – Three lamb chops are served with penne pasta and vegetables. See vegetables comments above. The lamb was very nicely done, not overcooked, but juicy. Mint jelly accompanies the lamb. The penne would be better on its own rather than accompanying the dish (in fact, I ate it the next day and preferred it this way since it didn’t detract from the lamb). I would have preferred a baked potato over the penne. Another great bargain. ~ $15

Both of the dishes I tried this evening were good value and the meats were good quality. I’m not sure of the pizzas and pastas, but I would still recommend the fish since multiple visits have proven that safe. Service this evening was fair. There was a narrow walking area behind one of our seats, and the staff continued to use it despite other routes being available. This was distracting as you could feel them brushing against the seat each time they passed by. I observed the bussing staff having good rapport with one another and working well together in general, but the waiters were fair in their service. See salad comment above. Also, my steak knife was not clean, and it took a while to grab the attention of the staff to get a replacement. Our water glasses were not checked frequently and the check took a long time to come to the table. Service was downgraded from three stars to the two to three star range. The food this evening was better than past experiences, and the specials menu is a great value since they come with soup or salad. Fortunately, the setting is nice in the evening. The Villa has a lot of room for improvement, but it’s a good bargain overall.

Old Chicago - Pizza/Italian, Petaluma

41 Petaluma Blvd North, Petaluma, CA 94952
(707) 763-3897
Parking: street parking

Last Visited: January 4, 2004

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

Old Chicago Pizza is known for its deep dish Chicago style pizza, just as the name says. It is located upstairs and the aromas from the kitchen are absolutely inviting. Just follow your nose. Upon entering, you face the bar and see the brick walls and lots of dark wood chairs and tables.

The staff is attentive and ready for any questions you may have. It’s a casual and informal atmosphere, and on a cold evening, the heater is on inside, so you’ll feel comfortable and at home.

The menu is simple – multiple sizes available and deep dish or thin crust are your options. They have basic toppings – pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, olives, and tomatoes, but you won’t find salami. They also have the “gourmet” toppings available such are artichokes.

Our dinner was basic, but very filling.

- Dinner salad – A basic green salad with a few types of lettuce and greens and red onions. Your choice of dressing is available. Simple and a decent portion – enough for one person without the quantity being too dainty or overwhelming. $3.75

Deep dish pizza with pepperoni and chopped olives – Basic cheese pizza is available, but we went for two toppings. Flavorful pizza and thick crust with crispy outer crust. It was great. I wasn’t expecting the olives to be chopped, and I typically like the olives on pizza to be sliced, so it would be nice for that to be clarified on the menu. Other than that, a very satisfying deep dish pizza.

Double crust pizza is also available, but note that it will take around 30 minutes for preparation and cooking. It’s a nice place to go if you’re looking for some deep dish pizza in the area, but don't compare it to real deep dish or Zachary's in Berkeley - it just isn't the same. Thin crust is also available for sizes small and up.

Volpi's Ristorante & Bar - Italian, Petaluma

124 Washington St, Petaluma CA 94952
(707) 765-0695
Parking: ample street parking

Last Visited: 2002

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

Volpi’s has been an institution in Petaluma for quite a long time. Its atmosphere is family style with a large waiting area and a fish tank holding today’s catch. This dining room extends back to hold more tables, in addition to an old fashioned speakeasy, with a separate adjacent unit for additional seating. The location was originally an old grocery store.

Volpi’s certainly has character. The tables are adorned with a bottle that holds a candle and the drippings of various colored candles before it.

Entrees are available a la carte or as a meal which includes soup and salad.

- Minestrone soup – Fresh carrots, potatoes, and beans can be found in the soup. It’s hearty.

- Clam chowder – I remember enjoying their clam chowder, rich and creamy.

- Spaghetti and meatballs – The spaghetti and meatballs came highly recommended. It’s quite authentic with al dente noodles and a hearty tomato sauce. $10.95

I tried a few other dishes, but have gone back for the spaghetti and meatballs several times.

Note that if you’re on a budget, it’s always good to ask about the prices on the seasonal items. The price of shrimp scampi was quite surprising the time we invited guests.

Since it’s been such a long time since my last visit, I don't know how it is right now, but it was just fair the last time I was there.  The salad dressing can sometimes be on the slightly sour side, but aside from that, Volpi’s is pretty consistent. The atmosphere is unique and the service varies, but the food is good.

My last visit was a little less stellar and prices were higher than previously, so the value wasn't as good, but Volpi's is good for old world Italian.

Negri's Italian Dinners - Occidental

3700 Bohemian Hwy, Occidental CA 95465
(707) 823-5301
Parking: in parking lot

Last Visited: August 7, 2004

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

Negri’s has been run by three successive family generations. It’s classic Italian dining. As you walk up the steps, you can see the large windows facing the town of Occidental. On the door are a gigantic fork and spoon which are also the door handles. Upon entering, the bar is to your left and the dining room is to your right. When entering the dining room, you’ll find the natural light from the large windows complements the surroundings nicely.

The painted walls are yellow with a green awning above the cash register area and the area near the kitchen. The walls are dark wood, and the thickness of the ceiling beams reminds you of the quality building construction of the old days. There are strings of lights as well as lamps with a white ball for a lamp cover. The ball has been painted with a red and green stripe each which make the Italian theme all the more prevalent.

The floor is light in color, and the tables are spaciously placed. The rear dining area was closed, so this evening, there were seven tables lining the large windows, and a moveable planter dividing the room. The tablecloths are red and white checkered, and a bottle of chianti as well as a pitcher of water sit on the table. On the walls, you’ll also find various paintings containing chianti bottles as well.

Upon arriving, a basket of crusty bread with a soft center arrives at the table along with a plate of olive oil containing drops of balsamic vinegar. You’ll also receive a bowl of freshly grated parmesan cheese and a container of individually wrapped butter.

All pasta and non-pasta dishes are accompanied with minestrone soup and mixed green salad. In addition, non-pasta dishes will also receive an antipasti (tonight’s antipasti was four slices of salami), zucchini pancake, and raviolis (six pieces).

- Minestrone soup – A large stainless steel pot holding hot minestrone arrives at the table with a large ladle to allow you to serve yourself. This homemade minestrone is incredible. A pot given to serve two people easily contains enough for four servings. The minestrone soup contains all the typical ingredients - cabbage, greens, beans, carrots, wide thick noodles, and so much more. The flavors marry together to create a taste extravaganza. Excellent. Five stars.

- Mixed green salad – The salad is comprised of iceberg lettuce, grated carrots, red cabbage, grated zucchini, and dressing. The vegetables are fresh, but there was too much dressing for me. In the future, I will know to ask for dressing on the side. I had enough dressing that by the time I completed my salad, there was enough remaining to dress another serving. One thing that is unique about Negri’s is that they still serve additional dishes during the salad course. Along with the mixed greens came a plate of old style cottage cheese, a plate of marinated vegetables (carrots, cauliflower, peppers, and more) that were quite tart from the marinade, and finally a mixed bean salad (garbanzos and kidney beans dressed with small diced onions and dressing). It was refreshing to see Negri’s continue this old tradition.

- Zucchini Pancake – Although the menu says that zucchini pancakes are served with non-pasta dishes, you only receive one pancake. It’s a small yellow round slightly smaller than the palm of one’s hand. It’s golden yellow with some green from the zucchini peaking through. Nicely done, and just a little crisp on the outside.

- Lasagna – Lasagna noodles are layered with meat sauce. Although the red sauce was hearty and thick, by the time I got to the lasagna, I was pretty stuffed. In comparison to the raviolis, the lasagna noodles are thick and don’t have the same homemade flavor. The portion is large, but just not as appetizing after fabulous minestrone. Average.

- Raviolis – Incredible. Their raviolis are homemade and filled with meat and spinach. Excellent. Probably some of the best raviolis I have ever had. They are served in a tomato sauce with parmesan cheese, and of course, you can sprinkle on as much parmesan as you wish. On my next visit, I’ll probably order the raviolis as an entrée and enjoy the splendid taste and texture. A must try! Five stars.

- Grilled Calamari Steak – Calamari steak is lightly breaded and grilled. Served with French fries (other options available). The calamari steak was a nice thickness, and the texture was good, but I found it to be a little oily. The breading was light and only grilled until faintly yellow. Nothing outstanding, but not bad. Average. The French fries were a bit oily – not to the point of being soggy, but also average.

At Negri’s, it’s worth just getting a bowl of soup if you choose to get nothing else. Raviolis are also a must try. They’re spectacular. The place is neat and clean, overlooking Occidental. It’s quaint and just an enjoyable place. The entrée itself (at least the two I tried) is not as outstanding as the soup and raviolis, so be prepared to bring them home since portions are huge, or maybe just order the good stuff alone. Beware if you order the hamburger because you’ll likely receive comments about ordering a hamburger in an Italian restaurant. No matter what, just come hungry.

Traverso's - Italian/Deli, Santa Rosa

Fountaingrove Village, 2097 Stagecoach Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95404
(707) 542-2530
Closed for lunch on Sundays
http://www.traversos.com/

Last Visited: December 2, 2006

Food: 4 stars
Atmosphere: N/A
Service: 4 stars
Price: $ to $$

Normally, I wouldn’t write about a deli, but I have had terrific sandwiches at their old location on Fourth Street.  I'm confident that their move hasn't affected their quality.

- Mild Coppa Deli Sandwich with Avocado – Choice of bread, choice of meat, and choice of what you want on your sandwich. They have a great gourmet selection, and the price of the sandwich varies by the type of meat you select. Some were about $5.99 while others would be about $9.99. I selected mild coppa on a soft sour roll with lettuce, pickles, onions, tomatoes, and mayo. Avocado was $0.55 extra. Delicious. The bread was crusty on the outside, soft on the inside and just amazing. What a treat. $7.54

- Hot Coppa Deli Sandwich – So you can tell that I like coppa. I don’t get it elsewhere, so that’s why I get it at Traversos. This time, I tried Dutch crunch, jack cheese, and the usual lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and mayo – absolutely delicious. And, they even gave me a slice of the coppa while they were cutting it for me. You can’t beat Traverso’s for friendly people behind the counter and excellent meat. $6.99

Check out the gourmet goods at Traverso’s deli and and market. Excellent cheeses and all sorts of goodies. They even offer cheese samples – the gouda is delicious. If you want an excellent, fresh, deli sandwich – this is the place to go. Yum!

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.

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!

Italian Affair - Santa Rosa

1055 4th Street, Santa Rosa, CA 95404

(707) 528-3336
Parking: in parking lot
Open: Wed - Fri 11:30am-9pm, Sat - Sun 5pm - 9pm

Last Visited: March 17, 2004

Food: 2 stars
Atmosphere: 3 stars
Service: 3 stars
Price: $$ to $$$

The inside of Italian Affair looks pretty nice, but I didn’t get a good glimpse inside since I was seated outside. It was a sunny day, and we chose to sit on the deck. There’s not much to share about the atmosphere outside. This Victorian building is set far enough back that the noise from the street below wasn’t very noticeable. Umbrellas were placed above the table to reduce the sunlight.

The lunch menu had a variety of pastas, salads, and meat entrees. French bread and butter arrives at your table while you review the menu.

- Mixed green salad – Fresh lettuce is nicely dressed with Italian dressing. I didn’t find this dish to be particularly exciting. Fairly average with not a whole lot of flavor, but no problems either. $3.75

- Cappellini Pomodoro – Fresh tomato chunks and basil are served over cappellini. I found the chunks of tomato to be too large and overwhelming. The cappellini was al dente, and the flavor was good, but it wasn’t anything special. I can’t rave about the dish. $9.50

The food seemed very average to me. Not great, but nothing bad either. Service is better than average. I found some of the napkins and glasses to have some blemishes that could be washed away, so I wasn’t as impressed with my experience.

After my meal, I didn’t feel very good. I had some reservations about Italian Affair from my family’s past experience there without me. However, my visit confirmed the reason for my hesitation/angst. I have heard some great things about Italian Affair, but my experience wasn’t able to confirm the reason for their reputation.

Sonoma Meritage Restaurant and Oyster Bar - French/Italian, Sonoma

165 West Napa St. Sonoma, CA 95476
(707) 938-9430
Parking: street parking
Hours: Brunch Sat and Sun 10:30am - 3pm, Happy Hour 4pm - 6pm, Dinner Daily 5pm - 9pm
http://www.sonomameritage.com/

Last Visited: September 2010

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

Chef Carlo Cavallo serves up Southern French and Northern Italian food at this martini and oyster bar.  Formerly on Broadway, they have been at this location on West Napa Street for quite a number of years now.

My first experience with Meritage was at a catering event in 2004.  I was super impressed that they managed to make such wonderful food away from their regular kitchen.  Specifically, the prime rib was heavenly - cooked to perfection.

During the 2004 catered event

- Mini Crab cakes – Bite sized crab cakes are topped with a drop of Dijon mustard sauce. The crab cake was a little too mini, about the size of a nickel in diameter and the height of a nickel standing on end, making it just miss the mark on having enough flavor in the little package, but it still tasted good. Double to triple the size would have been perfect.

- Salad – A very fresh and crisp mixed green salad is topped with crumbled feta cheese and aged balsamic vinegar. The greens didn’t have any sign of rust and were tossed in a light vinaigrette. Aged balsamic vinegar was lightly drizzled on top of the greens. Very fresh and very good.

- Prime Rib with Risotto – Tender prime rib is placed on a bed of mushroom risotto. Vegetables are served on the side. Tonight there were carrots cut into strips and green beans. Dried black mushrooms are rehydrated and sliced, then cooked with the risotto. The texture was creamy, and though this may be typical, the grains of rice were just a little hard in the center. I personally like my risotto a little more soft in the center. The prime rib was served medium and finished with a drizzle of cream containing a hint of horseradish. This was all done on a barbecue - and it was one of the best prime rib dinners that I've ever had.

both.

When I found out that the prime rib was being cooked on a grill outside, it was apparent that chef Carlo-Alessandro Cavallo knows his stuff. It’s pretty hard to cook a nice prime rib outside in the dead of winter and make the food taste and look great, especially when you’re in a facility outside of your restaurant. He did an excellent job serving beautiful prime rib to about 100 people without a hitch.

I was also most impressed by his wait staff. They were courteous, and even more so, they knew what not to do. During banquets, you often find the wait staff puttering around and causing distractions, but despite their heavy loads, these waiters and waitresses stood to the side of the room during announcements and speeches. It’s their pleasant demeanor that certainly made the evening just that much better. The overall dining experience made me want to check out the restaurant.

Flash Forward to 2011

A few friends had come to the area to do some wine tasting and go to Sonoma Plaza.  After a day of relaxed wine tasting, all were hungry for a bite to eat, so off we went to Sonoma Meritage.  There were six of us this evening and we got there before 6pm, so the happy hour menu was available to us. 

We were given ice water upon being seated along with fresh foccacia bread served with an olive tapenade.  The tapenade has complexity with nuts aind just a really nice rich flavor.  We could have just eaten the bread all night - good stuff. 

Since we arrived early, the happy hour menu was available which means that oysters are discounted. 

- BBQ Oysters with Garlic Lemon butter or Homemade BBQ sauce - I selected the garlic lemon butter sauce and was very pleased.  These delicious bites are hot and soak up thae garlic and lemon flavoring so well.  Six to a plate.  Very enjoyable.  It was so good, that during my next visit, I ordered it again.  $10

- Bouillabaisse - Seafood Stew with tiger prawns, manila clams, mussels, and mixed fresh fish in a spicy tomato broth.  For my main dish, I selected this flavorful stew.  The quantity of ingredients is abundant and the tomato broth makes it easy to eat all of the seafood without feeling like it's overly rich.  The quantity of each type of seafood was also well-balanced.  Although the bread was a nice decoration, I preferred the foccaccia bread more.  Good.  $20

This was a good visit, and the rating for food would have been three to four stars, but I decided to come back again a couple of weeks later to try to make a meal out of their happy hour menu.  Sadly, this was a most disappointing visit.  The chef wasn't coming in until 5:30pm, and since we were there early, somebody whom was less well versed in how to time the arrival of dishes was cooking.  Coupled with the fact that there was a party of eight or ten enjoying happy hour, this turned out to be a mediocre visit, and I haven't been been back since.  The problem started when we ordered raw oysters.

- Oysters on the Half Shell Sampler Platter - The happy hour price is about half that shown on the menu, so it would have been a great deal.  However, of the four types of oysters that you get to try, they told us they only had three of the four left.  No big deal, right?.  However, somewhere between our order and the arrival of the order, another one of the varieties was no longer available, and they plated only two varieties.  I appreciated how our server asked us whether it was okay that there were three varieties before we accepted the order, but when she brought two, I wondered why she didn't check back with us again.  Sadness - I wanted to try all four kinds.  Ten oysters to an order. $18

- Prince Edward Island Mussels - Steamed in garlic butter sauce with grilled foccaccia ,  About a dozen mussels are served in a tasty broth on top of that grilled bread triangle.  While the bread is good for soaking up the broth, I would again rather use the foccaccia bread.  This seems like such a filler item.  Give me a smaller bowl and forget theis triangle - I'll be a happier camper.  Good otherwise.$12

- Mushroom Pizza - Diaster struck here.  How hard is it to get a hot item to the table when there are only three tables with patrons in the restaurant?  Apparently, harder than you think.  There was some confusion that what we had ordered was part of the other table's order, and voila, cold pizza.  I don't know how that confusion translates into food getting cold, but it did.  The mushrooms themselves had good flavor, but you can tell from the photo that despite the fact that the photo was taken immediately after the pizza arrived at the table, it had cooled down - the cheese has started to change form.  Ugh.  Maybe it was my fault for ordering pizza at an oyster bar, but still. Never again will I order a pizza here if I can help it.

- Crispy Calamari and Zucchini served with Chive Aioli - Meritage redeemed themselves with this dish because it was piping hot.  The calamari is breaded so lightly and the zucchini is fresh.  Terrific.  I would definitely order this again.  $10

- Truffle Oil Fries - And here we go again - cold food.  Who wants to eat cold fries?  The truffle oil was fragrant, but it was sad that this dish was cold. 

With this experience, I had to lower the food rating down to three stars.  If it weren't for the first two experiences, it woud have been down to a two to three star range.

Chef Cavallo, when you are out of the restaurant, please make sure that your kitchen is in order and serving with the quality that you would serve with.  It's going to be a while before I go back again because of this last visit and the cold food.

Fortunately, service is pretty good and the staff checks back with the right frequency.  They're not pretentious if you don't order wine or try to make a meal out of the happy hour - their good attitude is getting hard to find these days in Sonoma restaurants.   I would suggest eating here for regular meal service for a better dining experience.