Fonda - Tapas, Albany

1501 Solano Avenue, Albany CA 94707

(510) 559-9006

Parking: street parking

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

Weekend brunch 10:00 am - 3 pm

http://www.fondasolana.com/

Last Visited: September 25, 2011

Food: 3 to 4 stars

Atmosphere: 3 to 4 stars

Service: 3 to 4 stars

Price: $$ to $$$$

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

Rutherford Grill - Rutherford

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

Last Visited: August 18, 2008

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

La Tapatia Mexicatessen - Mexican, South San Francisco

Best: Burrito, Chicharrones

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Gorilla Barbeque - Pacifica

Best: Philly Cheese Steak and Pork Ribs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ben Tre - Vietnamese, South San Francisco

219 Grand Ave, South San  Francisco CA 94080
(650) 952-2243
Parking: pay parking lot, street parking
Hours: Sun-Thurs, Sat 10am-9:30pm, Fri 10am-10pm
http://www.bentrerestaurant.com/

Last Visited: June 12, 2012

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

After a couple of lunch visits and a dinner visit, I've had a chance to try a few different dishes.  I give Ben Tre three solid stars for food, but if everything was consistent, it could get a slightly higher food rating.

Like most Vietnamese places, service here isn't great, and lunchtime is extremely crowded on weekdays, so factor that in when you go for a visit.   As for setting, it's pretty crowded.  The tables are close together and the television screens are usually on.  It feels more like a cafeteria than a restaurant. 

- Ben Tre Appetizer Combination - Imperial Rolls, Spring Roll, Grilled Meatball, Sugarcane & Crispy Shrimp, Rice Vermicelli & Lettuce - The rolls were fresh, but I found the meat items to be a bit dry.  $11.25

- Ben Tre Rice Platter - BBQ Pork, Imperial Roll, and Fried Chicken Wings.  For the rice platter combination, you can choose from a variety of meats (pork, porkchops, short ribs, beef, chicken) and accompaniments (imperial rolls, chicken wings, noodles, shredded pork, fried egg, meatloaf, shrimp cake). The fried chicken is crispy, but the meat lacks flavor.  The bbq meat is good, but they forgot to give me the dipping sauce for the plate and I had to ask them for it.  Ironically, they remembered to give everyone else their dipping sauce.  The imperial roll is good.  The quantity is good for the price and good for lunch because it arrives quickly. $8.85

- BBQ Pork with Garlic Noodles - This dish is also offered with other meat if you prefer to select something else.  I was surpised that the garlic noodles were flavored with small deep fried garlic pieces.  I'm fairly certain that garlic noodles, as known to fusion Vietnamese restaurants, isn't made this way.  While the garlic flavor is definitely present, I missed the buttery quality of the noodles that I've had at other places.  Good meat, but the noodles aren't what you would expect.   $12.50

- Shrimp and Vegetables with Yellow Rice in a Clay pot - While this isn't the exact name, it describes the contents of the dish.  Four pieces of shrimp are barbecued and put on top of slices of onions, bell peppers, and young corn.  All of this is placed over yellow rice.  It was nice to try this dish since it's new to me, but I probably wouldn't order it again.  If you like onions that are just cooked and still a little sharp, you'll enjoy this a lot.  The shrimp was a little dry since it had been grilled.  The rice looks more flavorful than it actually is.  $9.15

Ben Tre is a good spot for rice plates and bbq meats.  I'm sure the pho is probably fine too, but I found the seafood to be a little too dry because of the grill.  This is a good stop for rice plates - stick to the classic items and you should be good to go.  Expect to eat lunch quickly because if you don't, they'll be sure to give you plenty of hints - the check will come before your table is done and they'll check back with your frequently. 

Roli Roti - Catering, BBQ, San Francisco

San Francisco Farmer's Market, Catering

(510) 780-0300

http://roliroti.com

Last Visited: May 2012

Food: 3 to 4 stars
Atmosphere: N/A
Service: N/A
Price: N/A

Roli Roti is well known on the food truck scene, especially at farmer's markets.  I recently tried them when they catered our barbecue event and was excited to see them making their delicious porchetta.  At the farmer's market, you'll also seem them offering rotisserie chicken and pork knuckles too.

- Farro Salad with Tomatoes and Herbs - For those who aren't familiar, farro is like large barley.  These Italian pearl farro berries are tossed with diced tomatoes and chopped fresh herbs. The dressing, made from lime juice, vinaigrette, and soy sauce, penetrates each berry so it has a full-flavored and light taste.  I was really surprised by how much I enjoyed this salad.

- Salad Verde - A variety of greens was tossed with RoliRoti’s original French vinaigrette.  The vinaigrette is well-balanced - with just the right proportion of oil to vinegar.  The greens were fresh and yummy.

- Rotisserie Porchetta - Heritage’s free range pork loin is rolled into the belly with Thomas’s original herb mix with lemon zest. Grilled on the rotisserie for four hours until crispy brown on the outside, the meat is flavored well and juicy.  I liked how the guys offered a sample of the crispy pork belly and were happy to add more of the crispy stuff to my sandwich since the guy in line before me wanted only the meat.  Before putting the meat into the sandwich, they season it with rosemary and salt.  That extra flavor along with the soft bread and fresh greens make for a great combination. A good amount of meat was included, making this sandwich, which appeared a little on the small side, filling and satisfying.  If there was anything I could change, I would reduce the thickness of bread by just a little bit. 

If you get the chance, try Roli Roti and don't skip the salad - they're just the right complement for their delicious meat.

The Moss Room - Cal Academy of Sciences, California cuisine, San Francisco

55 Music Concourse Drive, San Francisco CA 94118
Golden Gate Park
(415) 876-6121
Parking: in parking lot
Hours: 11am-3pm Daily
http://themossroom.com

Last Visited: May 7, 2012

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

Located in the California Academy of Sciences, you can enter the restaurant either through the Academy Cafe or take the elevator down.  Enter the Moss Room and you sense the peaceful environment as the lights are dimmed and the room temperature is cool.  I was pleasantly surprised.
This afternoon, the menu was selected for us except for the entree, so we had a chance to try a wide variety of food.  The first impression of the restaurant was really positive and their menu offer enough choices without being overwhelming. 

Warm milk bread was served in a skillet when we arrived.  It tasted a little fishy, but not in a bad way - we had just come from the aquarium, so it kind of fit our experience.  It's like Hawaiian bread, without the sweetness.  We asked about the fishy flavor and were told that it was just a sprinkle of sea salt. 

- Vegetarian Imperial Rolls - Tree ear mushroom, glass noodles, carrots, and tofu are put into a rice wrapper and deep fried.  Red leaf lettuce leaves and rice noodles are served on the side so you can wrap the roll inside the lettuce.  The golden rolls have a great texture from the crispy skin.  The flavor is light, but I enjoyed the cool lettuce against the temperature of the hot roll.  Good. $11

- Spring Vegetable Stir fry - The menus says that crispy shallots are included, but I didn't notice their presence.  Carrots, snap peas, and asparagus made up the stir fry.  A little too overcooked for my tastes, and the sauce was too sweet.  I can usually eat a large quantity of vegetables without any problems, but it was so sweet that I stopped before finishing a serving. $11

- Hamaichi Crudo - Placed on top of a slice of pickled fingerling potato, the hamaichi, along with a little avocado, was fresh and lightly dressed with a thai basil aioli. Four pieces to a plate.  I thought it would have been better without the potato since the potato texture, while cooked well, seemed to muddy the texture of the fish as you ate it.  I would have enjoyed the succulent texture of the fish by itself which was already accented by the smooth avocado. $14
- Pan seared Halibut - The halibut was very delicious and the red curry sauce was pleasant, but a bit sweet.  The vegetables - snap peas - were fine, but the rice was very undercooked, so much so that I didn't eat it - it was crunching in my mouth.  Worse yet, when we told the manager about the hardness of the rice, he told us he would check the batch in the kitchen.  When he came back, he told us it was supposed to be a little hard.  It was not until the end of the meal when we again told him that 6 of 8 people didn't eat the rice because of how hard it was that he mentioned that he should have offered us a replacement side dish.  The manager seemed to be a seasoned manager, and this suggestion was definitely too late as we had already finished our meals.  I was greatly disappointed by this response. $23

- Strawberry Napoleon - Crispy wafers are filled with whipped cream.  Strawberry slices are placed on the side and drizzled with a caramel sauce.  Good. $7

- Lemon Meringue Tart - The lemon curd was tart and with the flaky crust, it tasted good, but the mounds of meringue were a little too sweet for my taste. $7

- Elderflower Spritzer - Refreshing, but not a lot of it. $3.50

The food could have gotten a higher food rating of 3 to 4 stars, but the wild rice pilaf itself and the manager's response to our comments kept them from having an opportunity to increase their rating.  This also dropped their service rating too.  There was so much potential to make this a good experience, but it was completely disappointing to receive the response that we did about the rice pilaf.  We made every effort to be pleasant about our experience, but since we had pre-ordered, they must not have felt compelled to make the experience better.  Too bad - the halibut was actually really good and dessert was quite nice, but I won't return on my own.