Angeline's Louisiana Kitchen - Southern, Berkeley

Best: Pecan Pie, Shrimp Po' Boy

2261 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley CA 94704
(510) 548-6900
Parking: street parking
Hours: Mon 5:30pm - 9pm, Tues-Thurs and Sun 11:30am-9pm, Fri-Sat 11:30am-10pm
http://angelineskitchen.com/

Last Visited: April 24, 2010

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

Although I have frequently traveled to Berkeley during the last few years, I never knew about Angeline's until I saw an episode of Check Please. Founded by the late Robert Volberg in 2006, Angeline's was the result of a desire to bring New Orleans flavor to the Bay Area. Chef Brandon Dubea, originally from Baton Rouge, leads the way with authentic southern dishes.

The television show touted the shrimp po' boy, so of course, that was something I absolutely had to try. This weekend evening, the wait was tremendous - more than an hour, but we were excited to give it a try, and stood outside with the rest of the people waiting for our turn. You may want to bring a book. They do, however, take a limited number of reservations.

- Hush Puppies - It's a little hard to see in this photo, but cornmeal fritters are served with honey butter. The hush puppies are sweet and not dry - a good way to start the meal with a little southern flare. The honey butter is light and fluffy - wish I could take it home. Good. $4.95

- Shrimp Po' Boy - Lettuce, tomato, pickle, creole mustard, mayo, and hot sauce accompany lightly battered shrimp. I liked the crunchiness and freshness that the lettuce gave to the sandwich and the hot sauce provided the perfect kick. It's served with a choice of potato salad or a side salad. We selected the potato salad which was made with red potatoes, creole dressing, and green onions and topped with a little bit of chopped parsley. The sandwich is delicious - I could eat this every time I go for a visit. The potato salad on the other hand was worth skipping - although there is spice to the dressing, I found the salad fairly bland and would not recommend ordering it for a side dish alone. In the future, I might try the side salad option instead. Great sandwich that I would definitely give a thumbs up for ordering again. If you prefer, for another dollar, you can get an oyster po' boy instead. $11.95

- Buttermilk Fried Chicken - Boneless breast is served with ginger
vanilla sweet potato mash, tasso ham gravy, and Blue Lake green beans with parmesan. While I didn't actually try the chicken (another member of our party ordered it), I did try the sweet potatoes. They're delicious! More like dessert than a side, but I could eat a plate of them. If you're one of those people whom doesn't like their food to touch, you should probably let the staff know because as you can see from the photo, a lot of it blends together. The beans are more tender than I prefer, but they're okay. $15.95

- Crawfish Etoufee over Rice - This is served with Blue Lake green beans with parmesan. See previous comment about the beans. The crawfish etoufee is good, but I don't know how authentic it is. If you like to eat bite after bite of tender meat, then you'll probably like this dish. I wouldn't have minded if the level of spice was just a little greater. A healthy portion too. Good. $13.95

- Pecan Pie with bourbon vanilla whipped cream - Normally, I don't order dessert, but the guests on Check Please kept insisting that one must save room for dessert. The price is a little steep, but the pecan pie is incredible. Bite after bite of melt in your mouth pecans with butter, eggs, and sugar - it's definitely homemade. And that whipped cream is so light and fluffy that it's no wonder this dessert is so popular. It's made it to my list of Sesame Tea Favorites. $6.95

Other offerings include muffaletta, gumbo, beignets, swamp water (half lemonade, half iced tea), jambalaya, crab cakes, and BBQ baby back ribs. I would probably go for another po' boy and the beignets next (yes, I have no qualms about planning my next meal here).

It was a bit shocking to go to the website and learn of Robert's death. I remember him greeting us and bringing us to our table. I also remember him checking out my phone because he was considering getting a new phone. He had a friendly and easy way about him that I'm sure helped attract many customers back to Angeline's. I think you'll still find that friendliness there in the atmosphere and the food, and you absolutely must save room for some pecan pie.

Daimo - Chinese, Richmond

3288A Pierce St, Richmond CA 94804
(510) 527-3888
Parking: in shopping center parking lot
Hours: Open Daily 9am to 3pm

Last Visited: October 14, 2007

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

Enter Daimo and you’ll see lots of people and lots of tables. The room is bright with light earth tones and dark wood. There is a bar in the rear which is mostly used as a cash register and the bar near the front is a service station. The hostess station is never manned and the service seems sometimes haphazard. The side kitchen allows you to see the barbecued items such as the duck and pork in the window.

Most of the items were in the two star range due to their quality (or lack thereof) and presentation. Some of the food deserves three stars for the large portions. All of the portions, with the exception of the soup, were incredibly large. The soup gets the three stars.

- Assorted seafood with tofu soup – Of all the dishes, this was probably the best one. There’s a little bit of shrimp, some tofu, some egg whites, and other goodies. The soup was topped with some fine powder that was orange – perhaps some seafood essence or something of the like, but it had a very pungent seafood fragrance. Not the best soup, but probably the best part of the meal. $10

- Beef with tomato over fried noodle – This dish wasn’t what I expected. Most beef with tomato over fried noodles are salty with just a touch of sweetness. This dish was more like sweet and sour beef (minus pineapple and peppers) over noodles. The noodles were made Hong Kong style, but the sauce on the tomato beef was too sweet. The tomato beef also contained some onions which would have been fine, but it just wasn’t what I thought it would be. If you like sweet and sour beef, you’ll probably like these noodles. If you like the salty version, this one isn’t for you. $9.50

- Braised spinach with preserved duck eggs – A lot of spinach is cooked with sliced preserved duck eggs and preserved salted eggs. The amount of spinach is great, but the quality of the spinach is medium to fair. There presentation is also fair. Some restaurants place the egg mixture on top of the spinach, but Daimo just mixes the whole thing together. This makes the appearance a bit messy and less appetizing. $11

- Braised tofu with Chinese mushrooms and greens – Baby bok choy is cooked with braised tofu. The tofu was regular tofu, not the soft kind. Several tofu pieces had begun to come apart. The presentation of this dish was also not impressive, and the quality of the dish was fair. The tofu blocks were soggy and too dark in color. Since the tofu was broken, it didn’t hold its natural juices. The flavor was okay, but the tofu texture was a bit dry. $10

- Won Ton Noodles with Soup – In recent months, I have found myself eating at Daimo more than usual. For the most part, I’ve been eating lots of won ton noodles with soup. Five large wontons are served with noodles. Although the shrimp is abundant, one thing I don’t enjoy about these wontons is the texture. The pork and shrimp are fine, but something included in the mix results in a powdery consistency. It may be the egg, or something else they are mixing in as a binding ingredient, but when you bite into the won ton, you’ll see some yellow powdery like substance. The dish originally would have gotten a 3 to 4 star range, but is downgraded to 2 to 3 because of the powdery content which interferes with proper texture. If you don’t know what a won ton should taste like, you’ll be okay ordering this dish. $5.50

- Deep Fried Tofu with Salt and Pepper – Cubed firm tofu is deep fried with a mixture of jalapeno peppers, garlic, green onion, and chili peppers until golden. Then the tofu is sprinkled with seasoning salt. Note that this dish includes MSG, but it tastes oh so good. Crispy texture on the outside and soft on the inside, the flavorful fried garlic and peppers only add to the great tasting treat. The only point of improvement would be to cut the tofu into uniform pieces. Good. $5.50

- Sliced Beef with Peppercorns and Rice Noodles – Like many other dishes, you get a huge plate of rice noodles with sliced beef and seasonal greens – today’s vegetable was bok choy. It comes with a brown sauce made with lots of black pepper. Although the menu says peppercorns, you don’t actually see any whole peppercorns. The flavor was okay, but the noodles clumped together a lot and the presentation in a glass dish could look nicer. Okay. $8

- Rice Porridge – If you like porridge, Daimo is a good stop. Porridge is pretty easy to make at home and there are lots of variations. You get a lot of congee so you’re sure to be stuffed with just one bowl. So far, I’ve tried sliced beef congee, preserved duck egg and salted pork congee, and sliced fish congee. I would describe their porridge as having good consistency and flavored well. $5.25

I have found that the closer I sit to the kitchen, the better service I get, simply because they pass by your table often. Otherwise, if you’re on the far side of the restaurant, you can feel neglected. A major area of improvement would be the order in which food is brought out. Unless you order from a set menu, you’ll find that appetizers come after main dishes and so forth. This can be quite disruptive in the sense that you feel bombarded with food instead of one course coming after another.

Their service rating would have been better, but they committed the major faux pas at the end of dinner. They took our teacups when clearing the table for dessert. By the way, dessert is complimentary – usually sweet red bean soup or something of that nature. However, one should never remove the teacups before the patron leaves. We asked a staff member for the check, and she seemed to have forgotten about it completely. It’s a busy place, but that seems all the more reason to be on top of things. Service varies a lot depending on your server and your location within the restaurant. We’ve had anything from excellent service to really bad service, so I’ve upgraded their service rating from two stars to two to three stars.

The restrooms weren’t very impressive either. The area leading to the restroom appears disorganized. It offers an unnecessary peek into the chaotic kitchen. Considering Daimo prints the names of local magazines that feature them on their menu, they just seemed a bit overhyped. Portions are large, but I prefer quality to quantity.

Old Port Lobster Shack - Seafood, Redwood City

Updated Review HERE.
Best: Clam Chowder, Lobster Roll

851 Veterans Blvd, Redwood City CA 94063
(650) 366-2400
Parking: in parking lot
Hours: Open daily 11am until they stop making money
http://www.oplobster.com/

Last Visited: May 9, 2010 (2016 review)

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

I first heard about Old Port Lobster Shack through Michael when he blogged about stopping in before leaving the Golden State. Knowing that Michael is a foodie with similar tastes as me gave it automatic credibility, but what got me was the photo of that awesome lobster roll. Since it's more than an hour away from where I'm based, I try to go here whenever I'm near the airport - it's gotten to the point that I try to schedule appointments such that I will be in Redwood City near meal time in order to create the opportunity to come enjoy one of their lobster rolls.

When driving through this area, Old Port can be easy to miss, but look for a large white freight truck with their lobster logo in red. Sometimes it's parked in the street, and other times, it's in their parking lot. It's probably a good thing that I don't live close - my wallet would be empty and my cholesterol probably high.

The options of fresh seafood is extensive, but considering that Russell Deutsch was formally in the lobster exporting business before relocating to California, you can bet that the lobster is going to be good.

The red and white checkered tablecloths on lacquered picnic benches, the lobster tank in the rear, the lighthouse decorations all help you feel like you're in for something special and an authentic taste of the East Coast. To order, you line up in front of the counter and sometimes out the door, and then you receive a number which you place at your table once seated.

- New England Clam "Chowdah" - Served in an Old Port Lobster cup (available for purchase on their website), this large amount of creamy goodness contains a lot of clams. The table has a bucket full of oyster crackers ready for your delight, so eat away. It's on my list of best clam chowder in the Bay Area. Cup $5.75, Bowl $8

- Fried Oysters - One of many Shacketizers, this basket of oysters, which is served with cocktail sauce and tartar sauce, looks like it might not be as good as everything else, but to my surprise, these little guys are quite meaty. They're smaller than what you would see at Asian restaurants, but they are amazingly fresh and juicy, and they serve you a lot. Great! $12.75

- Lobstah Louie Salad - If I recally correctly, the one shown in this photo is a half size. Romaine leaves are served with lobster pieces, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, a hard boiled egg, and louie dressing. Two large wedges of lemon garnish the dish. It's definitely enough to serve two or even three if you're looking for a starter, but also enough for a meal for one. All the veggies were very fresh. Another great dish. Full $19.75, Half $15.75

- Mini Lobster Cakes with Chipotle Mayo - Four lobster cakes are cooked until golden brown and served on a bed of spring mix along with a couple wedges of lemon. They're good, but given the choice, I would opt for the lobster roll. This might be a good alternative for those whom are trying to reduce carb intake though. The chipotle mayo is just a touch spicy for extra flavor. $14.75

- Maine Lobster Roll - Oh, this is the absolute best thing on their menu. Lobster is lightly tossed in Hellman's Mayo along with green onions, salt and pepper. This is heaven on a toasted bun. It's served with a side of crispy fries and coleslaw. While the coleslaw is crunchy and refreshing and the fries, made with Kennebec potatoes, are crispy and tastes like a potato should, they pale in comparison to the luscious tender lobster meat that is so succulent. The photo below of the Naked Roll doesn't even begin to capture the essence of this outstanding treat. $18.75, Double Play (2 rolls) shown here $35

- Naked Lobster Roll - Lobster meat is served on a roll with a side of mayo and drawn butter. Much like the Maine version above, but now you have control over the mayo and if you prefer drawn butter, now you have the option. Between the two, I like the Maine Roll better. $18.75
- Lobster Mac and Cheese - I couldn't wait to eat it, so a portion of this is already gone if you're looking at the picture. A velvety smooth cheese sauce surrounds these shells and the lobster meat is just as good as that found in the rolls. Super fresh lobster and al dente pasta with cheese, how could you go wrong. Delicious. Market Rate

For me, it is worth the drive to get to Old Port because you know you're in for a wonderful meal. If the items described above aren't enough, they offer whole lobsters, sandwiches, beer battered coconut shrimp, fried oysters, lobster bisque, BBQ, and so much more.

Also, Old Port also frequently offers a coupon available online through third party sites to save $10 off of a purchase of $50. When two or more or dining, be sure to look for the coupon - it's easy to rack up a bill for $50. During peak hours, they place gets pretty full, especially on weekends, and it's no wonder why. On weekdays, they also have a happy hour where you can get appetizers at a discount.

It's one of the few places that I've given a five star food ranking, so if you're in the area, I highly encourage you to give it a try!

Old Port Lobster Shack - Seafood, Redwood City

Updated Review HERE.
Best: Clam Chowder, Lobster Roll

851 Veterans Blvd, Redwood City CA 94063
(650) 366-2400
Parking: in parking lot
Hours: Open daily 11am until they stop making money
http://www.oplobster.com/

Last Visited: May 9, 2010 (2016 review)

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

I first heard about Old Port Lobster Shack through Michael when he blogged about stopping in before leaving the Golden State. Knowing that Michael is a foodie with similar tastes as me gave it automatic credibility, but what got me was the photo of that awesome lobster roll. Since it's more than an hour away from where I'm based, I try to go here whenever I'm near the airport - it's gotten to the point that I try to schedule appointments such that I will be in Redwood City near meal time in order to create the opportunity to come enjoy one of their lobster rolls.

When driving through this area, Old Port can be easy to miss, but look for a large white freight truck with their lobster logo in red. Sometimes it's parked in the street, and other times, it's in their parking lot. It's probably a good thing that I don't live close - my wallet would be empty and my cholesterol probably high.

The options of fresh seafood is extensive, but considering that Russell Deutsch was formally in the lobster exporting business before relocating to California, you can bet that the lobster is going to be good.

The red and white checkered tablecloths on lacquered picnic benches, the lobster tank in the rear, the lighthouse decorations all help you feel like you're in for something special and an authentic taste of the East Coast. To order, you line up in front of the counter and sometimes out the door, and then you receive a number which you place at your table once seated.

- New England Clam "Chowdah" - Served in an Old Port Lobster cup (available for purchase on their website), this large amount of creamy goodness contains a lot of clams. The table has a bucket full of oyster crackers ready for your delight, so eat away. It's on my list of best clam chowder in the Bay Area. Cup $5.75, Bowl $8

- Fried Oysters - One of many Shacketizers, this basket of oysters, which is served with cocktail sauce and tartar sauce, looks like it might not be as good as everything else, but to my surprise, these little guys are quite meaty. They're smaller than what you would see at Asian restaurants, but they are amazingly fresh and juicy, and they serve you a lot. Great! $12.75

- Lobstah Louie Salad - If I recally correctly, the one shown in this photo is a half size. Romaine leaves are served with lobster pieces, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, a hard boiled egg, and louie dressing. Two large wedges of lemon garnish the dish. It's definitely enough to serve two or even three if you're looking for a starter, but also enough for a meal for one. All the veggies were very fresh. Another great dish. Full $19.75, Half $15.75

- Mini Lobster Cakes with Chipotle Mayo - Four lobster cakes are cooked until golden brown and served on a bed of spring mix along with a couple wedges of lemon. They're good, but given the choice, I would opt for the lobster roll. This might be a good alternative for those whom are trying to reduce carb intake though. The chipotle mayo is just a touch spicy for extra flavor. $14.75

- Maine Lobster Roll - Oh, this is the absolute best thing on their menu. Lobster is lightly tossed in Hellman's Mayo along with green onions, salt and pepper. This is heaven on a toasted bun. It's served with a side of crispy fries and coleslaw. While the coleslaw is crunchy and refreshing and the fries, made with Kennebec potatoes, are crispy and tastes like a potato should, they pale in comparison to the luscious tender lobster meat that is so succulent. The photo below of the Naked Roll doesn't even begin to capture the essence of this outstanding treat. $18.75, Double Play (2 rolls) shown here $35

- Naked Lobster Roll - Lobster meat is served on a roll with a side of mayo and drawn butter. Much like the Maine version above, but now you have control over the mayo and if you prefer drawn butter, now you have the option. Between the two, I like the Maine Roll better. $18.75
- Lobster Mac and Cheese - I couldn't wait to eat it, so a portion of this is already gone if you're looking at the picture. A velvety smooth cheese sauce surrounds these shells and the lobster meat is just as good as that found in the rolls. Super fresh lobster and al dente pasta with cheese, how could you go wrong. Delicious. Market Rate

For me, it is worth the drive to get to Old Port because you know you're in for a wonderful meal. If the items described above aren't enough, they offer whole lobsters, sandwiches, beer battered coconut shrimp, fried oysters, lobster bisque, BBQ, and so much more.

Also, Old Port also frequently offers a coupon available online through third party sites to save $10 off of a purchase of $50. When two or more or dining, be sure to look for the coupon - it's easy to rack up a bill for $50. During peak hours, they place gets pretty full, especially on weekends, and it's no wonder why. On weekdays, they also have a happy hour where you can get appetizers at a discount.

It's one of the few places that I've given a five star food ranking, so if you're in the area, I highly encourage you to give it a try!

Breads of India - Berkeley

2448 Sacramento St, Berkeley CA 94702
(510) 848-7684
Parking: street parking
Hours: Lunch: 11:30am to 2:30pm daily, Dinner: 5:30 to 9:30pm daily
http://breadsofindia.com/

Last Visited: May 15, 2005

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

Enter Breads of India and the aromas blast you with savory sensations. It’s a dark little place with not much ambiance, but the food is great (although that has no relation to authenticity). The restaurant is square shaped with lots of tables packed next to each other. If you’re looking for a spacious and comfortable setting, this isn’t the right place for you. The main counter is in the back, and you’ll find benches out front should you need to wait for a table – likely to occur if you go on a weekend evening.

The difficult part of writing about Indian food for me is my lack of familiarity with the cuisine. This is definitely an area I would like to work on and increase my food vocabulary. For example, the spices have this familiarity about them, but I haven’t gotten to the point of identifying them by name yet.

- Samosas – Two large samosas filled with potatoes and spices. There may have been other vegetables in the stuffing, but it was hard for me to tell. These triangular pastries are stuffed to the gills. The outer shell is crispy/crusty in a good way, and the spices are evenly mixed throughout the filling. Upon their arrival, be careful as the contents are hot. The samosas are served with a side of tamarind dipping sauce that adds a light sweetness to the flavorful mixture. Good in taste and portion, but a little darker brown than I expected. $3.95

- Chicken Tikka Masala – All entrees are served with basmati rice, salad, and chutney. The chicken tikka masala comes in a small metal bowl. The chicken is served in large chunks with a lot of creamy curry sauce. Only white meat was served, so for lovers of white meat, it’s a great thing. For me, the meat was just okay. I found the meat a little dry once broken apart, but the sauce can compensate. The flavor is great though – the sauce is very good for accompanying naan or rice. The vegetables in the salad – carrots, mint, and lettuce are fresh. The helping of rice is hearty and the chutney is just a bit tangy. A folded piece of papadam accompanies the dish. The value of this is great. Many other places only offer the meat a la carte, so getting the sides with the meat makes Breads of India a winner for value. $10.95

- Naan – The naan is excellent. Baked in a tandoori oven and offered in many varieties, they’re fluffy on the outside with just the right texture and consistency. I selected one containing parsley and tarragon. There might have been some other spices too. The size of the naan is huge – about the length of a football. Hot, soft, and scrumptious, they’re a must try. 5 stars. ~$3

- Sweet Lassi – Lassi is offered in sweet and mango flavors. The lassi definitely has a yogurt flavor about it, with a sweetness that reminds me of sweetened soy milk. Good (although my disclaimer is that I don’t know enough about lassi to truly claim it to be good). ~$2.50

Each entrée comes with a suggestion for the type of naan to accompany the dish. Although I didn’t listen to the suggestion, I was still extremely satisfied by the naan. Their menu changes daily, but the basic staples are always served – samosas, chicken, and lamb. You can also count on a variety of curries.

The service leaves something to be desired. They don’t check on you and I felt a bit hurried during the meal. Due to the line outside, don’t expect to be able to sit around the table and chat once you’ve finished your meal. The bathroom could use some upgrades, and you’re sure to see the kitchen if you make your way back there. Think of it as a hole in the wall with great food and you won’t be disappointed (see note below).

After talking about my visit to Breads with some Indian folks, I found that the food here may be more to the liking of non-Indians or those unfamiliar with Indian food. Apparently, they use mostly dried herbs that reduce the amount of flavor. It’s a good place to try if you’re unfamiliar and want to stretch out of your usual realm, but if you’re truly an Indian food connoisseur, it may be one to skip. Check it out and decide for yourself.

Yeti - Nepalese, Glen Ellen

14301 Arnold Drive, Glen Ellen CA 95442
(707) 996-9930
Parking: in parking lot
Hours: 11am - 9:30pm
http://www.yetisonoma.com/

Last Visited: May 9, 2010

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

My mom's friend is vegetarian and loves going to Yeti. I had never been here before, but on this cold and rainy afternoon, it was just the type of food to warm you from the inside.

The restaurant setup is a bit unusual. You walk into a corridor and there is seating in the rear, but seemingly nobody around. Take a couple of stairsteps down and you'll enter another room containing the open kitchen, a bar, and more seating along a set of windows across from the bar. This particular building has been around for a while and it's dark wood features definitely gave it a bit of a brooding feeling, but the scent of warmed spices tickles your nose as you enter the restaurant.

We sat near one of the windows and immediately noticed how wobbly the table was. However, the sudden storm that was about to downpour outside distracted us as the servers quickly went to remove the table settings on the patio at the sign of rain.

After ordering, we each enjoyed a fresh salad with a mustard vinaigrette that accompanied our dishes. Alfalfa sprouts topped mixed greens, a tomato wedge, and avocado that wasn't ripe enough to be served. While the vinaigrette was fine, it was overly abundant in quantity and the avocado was not a welcome addition; it probably should have been left off of the plate and for that, the otherwise four star rating was dropped to three stars.

While the salad seemed to be far from typical Nepalese, the other dishes that came were very good.

There was a pretty significant wait time between the salad and the main dish. Also, the lamb dish came quite a bit earlier than the tandoori. Yeti could use some work on the timing considering that the party size was small which made the difference in serving time less acceptable.

- Lamb Curry over Rice - Listed under Yeti's Special Lunch Delite, this dish starts with a side salad followed by the main dish. A good helping of basmati rice topped with a few peas for garnishes is served with a very tender and well spiced lamb curry. The pieces of lamb are fork tender and there is no need to worry about that game flavor that is often associated with lamb. The spices in the curry definitely warm you from the inside and both the rice and curry are served very hot in temperature, perfect for cold weather. The portion is also more than adequate. $12

- Yeti Special Tandoori Lunch - The special lunch comes with a side salad, choice of rice or naan, chicken tandoori, dal makhani, seasonal vegetable curry, and yogurt with fruit. A vegetarian version (replaces the chicken with saag paneer) is available for three dollars less. It took a while for the tandoori dish to come, but we could see the chicken being cooked in the open chicken in the tandoori ovens. The chicken is marinated overnight in yogurt, ginger, and garam masala, then cooked and served with a large wedge of lemon. The lemon juice adds freshness to the heavy spiced meat. There were only two pieces of chicken (dark meat) in the small dish, but both were very flavorful. The naan was huge, super fresh, puffy, and hot. The picture tells the story. The three small containers contained dal (lentils with onions, chile, ginger, fresh cream, cilantro, tomatoes, and beans), vegetable curry, and saag (creamed spinach). All three were very tasty. There was also a piece of papardam, a crisp wafer thin cracker served alongside. The seasonal fruit in the yogurt was apples. It was a refreshing dessert that cleared the palate, but it didn't seem to keep with what I envisioned to be traditional for this type of food. The lunch special is a good way to try multiple dishes and certainly will be filling. $15.99

I liked the food at Yeti quite a bit, but found their prices to be reasonable for the area, but a bit high for similar types of restaurants in the Bay Area. Yeti is catering to a small town upscale crowd. They definitely offer something different than the Italian and American restaurants you find in Glen Ellen and Sonoma. Serving sizes are generous and the staff is friendly, but the set up is a bit disjointed and there are still some things such as wobbly tables and serving timing that could use refinement. It's a nice change of pace if you want to check out something new.

Best Taste - Hong Kong Style BBQ, Oakland

814 Franklin St, Oakland CA 94607
(510) 444-4983
Parking: street parking

Last Visited: September 4, 2004

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

Best Taste is located in Oakland Chinatown. The window displays the roasted duck and other dishes offered. Upon entering the place, you’ll see the counter to your immediate right with the roast pig hanging on the far side of the counter. Tables adorn the left side of the wall and more tables are spread throughout the back of the restaurant. It’s not a big place, but the tables are spaciously set apart. The dark red/burgundy linoleum floor is kept clean.

The operation is definitely family owned. I visited on a Saturday and found the kids running in and out of the restaurant. The husband and wife team work the counter while the parents help wrap dumplings and handle the large party orders. During my visit, I noticed three party trays of fried chicken which looked quite appetizing.

- Wonton noodles in soup – Six wontons are served with noodles and iceberg lettuce in broth. The wontons weren’t the best I’ve tried, nor were they the worst. The ingredients were fresh, but not stunning in flavor. $3.25

- Three bbq combination over rice – Choice of three bbq meats are served over rice with a small helping of cooked vegetables. We selected bbq pork, roast duck, and roast pig. The duck flavor was okay, but the color wasn’t as dark as typically found. The roast pig skin wasn’t crispy, and the meat wasn’t juicy. The bbq pork was probably the worst of the three since the meat was also dry. The duck and roast pork were fair and fall in the two star range, while the bbq pork was about one star. $5.95

Overall, I didn’t find the restaurant to live up to its name. The price is extremely reasonable, but the food quality is fair and didn’t meet expectations. It’s a decent value and good to fill up on if you know what you’re getting into. Perhaps their party trays would be a better thing to try – they certainly looked appetizing.