CA Bakehouse - Bakery, San Jose

 979 Story Rd, Unit 7066, San Jose CA 95122
(408) 287-9188
Parking: mall parking lot

Hours: Thurs-Fri, Sun 12p-4p, Sat 12p-6p, Closed Mon-Wed
www.cabakehouse.com

Last Visited: February 5, 2023

Food: 3 stars
Atmosphere: N/A
Service: 3 stars
Price: $ to $$

I have heard about CA Bakehouse for a long time, but their limited hours have made it challenging to visit.  Nestled inside the Little Vietnam plaza, you'll find this shop by the line outside. The idea of pandan waffles, ube croissants, black sesame choux pastry, honeycomb cake, and mochi cakes all together make their offerings the perfect blend of east meets west.  Since the pandemic, you can no longer enter the shop, but the display case is still available for you to see from the window.

Let me start with a few tips to save you time: 

1. Your best bet, due to the limited hours and resulting long lines, is to make your order online on their website.  That allows you to approach the front door in the much shorter pickup line.

2. Check your order - I walked to my car and fortunately, looked through my bag. My croissant was missing.  I went back immediately and was able to get my croissant - no questions asked.  It's pretty obvious from the way they packaged things that there was no room for a croissant, so this was easy peasy.

- Original Green Waffle - This is a family recipe that has been passed between the Le Monde Bakery to Century Bakery, and now, to this location under a new name, CA Bakehouse.  The waffle is a bright green due to the usage of fresh pandan leaves.  For those who are unfamiliar, the pandan flavor is a bit grassy and very fragrant, falling in the same category as how toasted coconut can be super fragrant.  You extract the juice from the leaves by blending or pureeing the leaves and separating the juice from the pulp.  The waffles came warm, but since I was sharing with friends, I didn't eat it right away.  I reheated it in a toaster oven, so I got to enjoy the waffle warm.  The scent is lovely - slightly grassy and how can you go wrong with a waffle smell.  It's a little chewy in texture like a mochi waffle and not too sweet.  Solid 3 stars. $2.50

- Ube Croissant - I was having a hard time deciding whether to go for an ube croissant or a kaya croissant (made of pandan) and since I had already ordered the pandan waffle, I opted for ube.  The color of the filling is a brilliant purple and the dough is also light purple.  If you've had a good croissant, you know how flaky and light it is.  This croissant wasn't particularly flaky and while the ube filling does taste like ube, it could have been stronger in its flavor.  I was disappointed and wouldn't get this croissant again. 2 stars $4.25

- Portuguese Egg Tart - The crust is one of the main differentiators of a classic Chinese egg tart and a Portuguese egg tart.  The Portuguese egg tart the crust is a puff pastry and light and flaky.  While these don't compare to what you can find in Belem, Portugal, I did enjoy the warm regular egg tart and its custard which wasn't too sweet.  The kaya egg tarts, while pretty to look at, were just ok. The kaya custard texture is not as smooth as the regular one. Several of us compared the two and all preferred the regular one.  If choosing between the two, I would select the regular one.  $2.75 regular, $3 kaya egg tart

My pick-up experience was very straightforward and service was friendly.  They were attentive and still friendly when I came back around a second time.  For me, a one time visit was sufficient, but I wouldn't be opposed if someone brought me a black sesame choux pastry, lol.

Falafel's Drive In - Middle Eastern, San Jose

2301 Stevens Creek Blvd, San Jose CA 95128

(408) 294-7886

Parking: small parking lot and street parking

http://www.falafelsdrivein.com/

Hours: Mon-Sat 10am-8pm, Sun 10am-6pm

Last Visited: April 5, 2021

Food: 4 stars

Atmosphere: 4 stars

Service: 4 stars

Price: $ to $$

While I had not intended to come by for a snack since I just had eaten a full meal, since I'm rarely in the South Bay, it was hard to resist coming to this iconic drive in that has been around since 1966.  Initially, the family started with serving typical drive in fare, and then Falafel's eventually introduced their family recipes and word spread.  The menu includes falafel sandwiches, gyros, pitas, kababs, and so much more.  

Despite the line, you will find that things move pretty quickly.  You order at the window and after paying, wait to get called.  There are picnic tables available for seating outdoors under a rooftop, or you can take it away.  

- Hummus Plate - I love a good hummus, and theirs is super creamy and you can taste the tahini.  It comes with a sprinkle of paprika, a dash of hot sauce, a couple of fresh tomato wedges, a couple of cucumber slices, and a couple of pickled turnip pieces.  Loved this.  While it comes with pita in a plastic bag,  it's the perfect accompaniment to both the falafel balls and the pita chips.  Small $6.75, Large $8.75

- Falafel Ball - Since I knew that I couldn't manage eating a falafel sandwich, I opted to get some falafel balls a la carte.  Super crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these herb-filled falafel balls are probably one of the best I've ever had. You can't go wrong with these.  40 cents each

- Pita Chips - While this isn't that complicated to make, I really enjoyed these crunchy pita chips (strips of pita that have been fried) with the hummus plate.  These beat out any store bought pre-packaged pita chips by miles and miles.  Seasoned with some zaatar spice, this is perfect for sharing.  It's also extremely reasonable for the amount you get. $3.25

- Koubby - While I probably didn't need any more food, I couldn't resist checking out this koubby.  It's a meatball made typically of ground beef, onions, cracked wheat, and pine nuts.  This was much more filling than I expected and after just a couple of bites, I had to take a pause.  $7

I didn't try it today, but I would love to get a banana milkshake the next time I stop by.  Bring cash if you don't want to pay a service fee (albeit small).  Note that the parking lot is pretty small, so budget time to find parking.  I will definitely come back to try out more of their specialties.  

Shiroi Sushi - Japanese, Los Gatos

14103 Winchester Blvd, Suite C, Los Gatos CA 95032
(408) 340-5965
Parking: shopping center parking lot
Hours: Mon-Sat 11:30am-2:30pm, 4pm-9pm; Closed Sundays

Last Visited: January 12, 2019

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

I was looking for a good Japanese restaurant in Los Gatos and happened upon this one.  The rolls looked quite appetizing in the photos, and I needed to be fairly close to downtown Los Gatos, so this fit the bill. 

I arrived at 5pm, just when they opened, and there was already another family there waiting.  While you might think this is an authentic Japanese restaurant from initial looks, a closer examination will reveal the influence of another source.  Aldo's, the Italian restaurant in the same shopping center, owns this place, and from the decor, you can see how the fishing boat print that hangs on two of the walls, the display of a rather large bottle of what would likely be wine (not sake) if it were full, and the tea towel napkins being used, shows that this restaurant isn't owned by a Japanese person.  A further look at the menu where something called a Tokyo to Milan roll contains pesto and Aldo's roll has prosciutto and mozzarella seem to confirm that you may have Italian influences here.  It's not a bad thing, but you should know what you're getting into.

- Hamachi Carpaccio - It seems that this is one of their most popular appetizers.  Ten slices of yellowtail are topped with a very thin slice of jalapeno and green onions and sit in a light soy sauce.  A very small bunch of  kaiware sprouts accompany the hamachi.  The fish is fresh and the jalapeno doesn't overpower the fish.  Probably the best of all the dishes of the evening, but a bit on the expensive side for what you're getting. The slices are really thin and makes me think I should just go to a Japanese market to get hamachi and try to mimic the same. $17

- Unagi Lover (shown in the front of the photo) - The roll is filled with deep fried unagi and topped with unagi and tobiko.   While it's tasty for a bite or two, the unagi sauce gets too sweet at the end.  Okay.  $17

- Spider Roll (shown in the rear of the photo) - Soft shell crab is deep fried.  Cucmber and avocado fill the inside of the roll and it's topped with unagi sauce and tobiko.  I liked the legs as they were not oily/greasy, but the body of the crab was a bit mushy, so that was less enjoyable.  $15

- Salmon Skin roll - Of all the dishes, I found this one to be the most disappointing.  A good Japanese restaurant can make the skin crispy and keep the meat moist.  In this case, while the cucumber gives this roll a good crunch, the salmon itself was too dry.  It's also pricy for what you're getting and you don't feel better when you see it used to be $7 three years ago.  Overpriced and dry.  $10

Service was pleasant, but with just two people serving the sushi bar and quite a few tables, as the room filled, we saw the servers less and less.  They tried their best, and did a good job handling a rather surly couple that didn't want to sit anywhere except at a four-person table. 

Overall, the rolls are okay, but avoid the salmon skin roll.  If you're going to go, try the hamachi, but maybe go for sushi instead.   

Orenchi Ramen - Japanese, Santa Clara

3540 Homestead Rd, Santa Clara, CA 95051
(408) 246-2955
Parking: in shopping center parking lot
http://www.orenchi-ramen.com/
Hours: Lunch Tues - Sun 11:30am to 1:30pm, Dinner Tue-Thurs 6pm-9pm, Fri-Sat 5:30pm-9:30pm, Sun 5pm to 8:30pm

Last Visited: May 16, 2015

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

Orenchi Ramen is well known amongst foodies for having an excellent bowl of ramen and after eating there twice, I would agree.  The perfection of the boiled egg with a slightly soft center, the rich broth, and the al dente texture of the thick yellow noodles that remains a toothsome throughout the meal create just the right combination of soup and noodles.  The menu describes their soup as being made with organic chicken, Canadian black pork, and filtered water.  It's cooked for a minimum of 18 hours.  No wonder it's so rich.

Located inside a strip mall next to Grocery Outlet, you could easily drive by without giving Orenchi a second glance, but foodies know that it exists, as exhibited by the list inside the restaurant even before opening.  If you're a newbie to Orenchi, don't make the same mistake that I did during my first visit.  Open the door and add your name to the list as soon as you arrive - even if it's before opening time.  Regulars know you can do this and you'll at least be in the queue.  At opening, you'll find a large group inside and outside of their waiting area, so I recommend arriving early to avoid the wait.

The staff begins to prepare tables according to the waiting list so that as soon as they open, they are ready to begin seating with an even rhythm until the house is full.  Pop music blares on the sound system, so you may need to speak up in order to be heard.  Menus are already on the tables and water is brought to you not long after being seated.  The wait staff is quick and ready to take your order, kneeling beside your table as they guide first timers through the menu and answer questions.

There are only four kinds of ramen, but a multitude of appetizers, salads, and gohan (small rice dishes).  Appetizers include fried dishes such as spring rolls, potato croquettes, onion rings, and fries with Orenchi's twist on these dishes.  You can also upsize most of the ramen with more noodles and additional toppings.

- Tako Wasabi (wasabi octopus) - The chopped octopus comes marinated with fresh wasabi.  It's a little chewy with a kick.  Fresh and good.  If you're not a fan of the sea, you should probably avoid this.  $4.30

- Smoked Salmon Spring Roll - Beautifully plated, the spring roll tastes very fresh with all of the leafy greens.  The slightly spicy aioli is a great sauce for just a little kick.  The amount of salmon is acceptable, although I would have loved more, but the combination of greens and noodles make each a delicious bite.  I would recommend this one for sure.  $7.50

- Karaage (Fried Chicken) - Each piece of dark meat is battered with seasoned flour.  Served with a wedge of lemon, a tomato, and a fried shishito pepper, each piece of chicken is juicy and flavorful. It's good if you're into fried chicken and happen to be here, but Orenchi is better known for its ramen than its karaage.  Although lemon juice pairs well with the chicken, I wouldn't have minded having a dipping sauce since we had a larger order.  3 pieces $4.30, 6 pieces $7.50

- Orenchi Ramen (Tonkatsu) -  Pork, egg, green onions, bamboo shoot, mushroom, nori, and sesame over noodles.  This was the first ramen I tried here.  The broth is rich, the egg is perfect, and for me, it's probably the best ramen I've had locally.  See above about the perfect noodle and soup combo.  Note that the broth is actually a bit salty so it's not for those whom may be on a low sodium diet.  If you're going to try one ramen, this is it.  Very good. $9.80

- Ore No Kuro Tan Tan Men - With only 15 orders available at lunch and another 15 at dinner, this dish is unique because of its combination of tonkatsu broth with a spicy sesame base.  Spicy ground pork, seasoned minced meat, green onions, bok choy, bamboo shoots, and black sesame top the noodles. Like the tonkatsu ramen, this one is pretty salty too, but the flavor of sesame permeates every spoonful of soup.  It's worth getting once to try, but I would probably get the tonkastu ramen during future visits. $13

If you only order ramen, then you won't feel rushed.  Although the bill comes before you're done with your meal, it still feels like a typical Asian fast food place.  However, with our multiple appetizers for this dinner, and the fact that the ramen came before we finished our appetizers, we were a bit slower to finish our meal.  Our neighboring table had already left, and Orenchi staff began to set it up, including pushing it right up against our table for a four top.  That and their multiple visits to see if we had finished our dishes felt pushy and their four star service rating has dropped to three.

Great ramen, good appetizers, and a fast paced atmosphere.  Don't plan to linger, but do expect a great bowl of soup and noodles.