Flavas Jamaican Grill - Carribean, South San Francisco

314 Linden Ave, South San Francisco CA 94080
(650) 244-9785
Parking: street parking
Hours: Mon-Thurs 11am-3pm, 5pm-8pm, Fri 11am-9pm, Sat Noon-9pm, Closed Sundays

Last Visited: February 21, 2015

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

Flavas opened about seven months ago and although the restaurant isn't very big, it seems to have a strong clientele with many repeat patrons whom order to go.  The restaurant has nice succulents on each table and has a casual look in its decorations with mirrors shaped like a school of fish on one wall and art on the other.

The combination specials are listed on a large sign on the wall.  Daily specials are also available.  

- Cod Fritters (5) - Served with tomato chutney, these pan fried seasoned codfish batter fritters grow on you with each bite.  I was expecting something like a bacalao fish cake where you can see the texture of the fish more distinctly, so I was initially disappointed that I couldn't see the fish or taste it in a noticeable way.  The batter has been blended so that the contents are smooth and you see some fresh herbs.  After a few bites, the crunch of the outside batter and the balance of the chutney with the fritter starts to get addictive. It's a good dish if you know what to expect.  $7

- Curried Goat - A Jamaican delicacy, the curried goat is cooked until it falls off the bone (beware though, there are a ton of small bones in this curry).  The dish is described as being cooked with Island spices.  It's unlike any other curry that I have tried - well seasoned with a kick to it.  I couldn't detect any gamey taste.  If you've never had goat, this dish is a lot like beef stew.  A scoop of rice and red beans mixed together and sauteed cabbage and carrots are served with the goat.  A few slices of golden sweet fried plantains balance out the flavors.  This is definitely a unique dish. $12.95

- Combo #2: Jerk Chicken and Oxtails - Two pieces of chicken (leg and thigh) are grilled until tender and glazed with house made jerk sauce.  Two oxtails are braised until tender with carrots, thyme, and scallions. The spices of both of these are warm and welcoming.  The meat is juicy and tender and the jerk sauce has a little kick to it too (not quite as strong as the goat dish though).  This dish is also served with a scoop of red rice and beans, sauteed vegetables, and sweet plantains. $15.95

Although I didn't try it, I suspect the jerk cheeseburger is good.  The teenager at a nearby table had a burger with fries, and after devouring one, he ordered another.  The fries looked beautifully golden.  I might check this dish out next time.

During my visit on this evening, the tables were all full.  Only two people work the front of the house and manage the take out orders too.  It takes a while for food to come, but it's well worth the wait. This is very good comfort food, and the portions are hearty.  Flavas does need to focus more on attention to detail to improve it's service - during my visit, I was given a dirty plate, and they dropped silverware on their tile floor, which is pretty noticeable because of the noise.  They also don't clear dirty plates after the appetizer round.  However, they're good at refilling the water glasses when there is a spare moment.

The flavors stand out amidst the field of restaurants in this city and good quality comfort food is always welcome.  I'll be back to try their mac & cheese, Jamaican patties, and other dishes some time soon.

Snozen - Shaved Snow, Mountain View - CLOSED

2101 Showers Dr, Mountain View, CA 94040

(650) 559-0241

Parking: street parking

Hours: Tues-Thurs 2-8pm, Fri-Sat Noon-9pm, Sun Noon - 7pm

http://www.snozenshavedsnow.com

Last Visited: December 20, 2014

Food: 4 stars

Service: 3 stars

Atmosphere: 3 stars

Price: $ to $$

Located near the Caltrain station, you'll find this corner shop with a line out the door on a day with nice weather.  It seems that many people are aware of Snozen as it draws young families, college students, and anyone looking for an alternative to traditional ice cream.

Shaved snow is a lot like shave ice, but the block that is being shaved typically has a flavor containing dairy - it's light, flaky, and creamy.  While some places offer shaved snow, Snozen does an excellent job with keep the texture creamy.  Flavors available include taro (pictured here with mochi and a black sesame drizzle), coconut (shown here), mango, strawberry, chocolate, and vanilla.  It's a great sweet treat to have this mound of deliciousness.  If you're lazy, they even have regular combinations you can select from (see menu below) so you don't have to think about flavor combos, but you're also welcome to customize combos on your own.  It's also interesting that they serve the snow with a fork - it holds together well and didn't melt nearly as quickly as I expected.

Small $3.75, Medium $4.85, Large $5.95
Drizzles $0.50
Toppings $0.50, Fresh Fruit $0.75

Seasonal flavors may also be available - look for them on the board.  During our visit, they had green tea (pictured with a black sesame drizzle here), Thai iced tea, and sweet milk to name a few.  Shave Ice is also available here.

Service is friendly and they accept credit cards.  Depending on the day (I visited twice), there may be music playing or not.  It tends to be a rather noisy place with all of the snow and ice being shaved, and it's a bus your own table type of environment. This is an excellent stop if you've never had this sweet treat.

Root - Chinese, South San Francisco

744 El Camino Real, South San Francisco CA 94080
(650) 225-0683
Parking: in parking lot

Last Visited: January 18, 2015

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

Formerly New Mandarin Garden, Root's new Chinese name is similar to a famous restaurant in China.  The owner and decor has changed, but the kitchen and wait staff remain the same.  The primary difference in the menu is the introduction of more than 50 new chef's specialty dishes - unfortunately, since the official menus aren't available, I relied heavily on the picture wall.  The specialty items were only available on the Chinese menu (see photo below), but the server promised that the new menu would have both English and Chinese translation.  Also, not all of the specialty dishes are available yet - only the items with check marks next to them can be ordered.  They are definitely still in transition in what items are available.

The temporary sign outside refers to a Chinese province/district/location - when we asked the server what that meant (what do they serve in that province), he said it's mostly spicy dishes.   From the outside, you can see that they've repainted and that the glass doors are new and lobby area have been refreshed.  On the inside, the paint has gone from pink and white to lavender and purple.  The carpet has been changed and new lighting fixtures give the restaurant a fresh look.  A new photo menu wall with bright lighting behind the photos shows the colorful chef's specialties labeled with Chinese characters and letters/numbers to indicate the row/column of the dish. Since I can't read Chinese and there weren't English descriptions, it was like playing Bingo - I'd like item B6.

- Tea Fragrant Shrimp - This is a sweeter version of salt and pepper shrimp.  Similar to salt and pepper shrimp, the shrimp is in its shell and lightly battered, then fried with jalapenos and garlic.  However, this batter is a little on the sweet side - you can see the egg and the sweetness is a bit reminiscent of breakfast, namely waffle batter.  Tea leaves are fried and served with the shrimp  (the tea leaves are similar in texture to kale chips).  I haven't seen this dish at any other place and appreciated its uniqueness. The tea leaves are crunchy and give the dish a slightly earthy/herb-like taste.  With 16 prawns, the price was also very reasonable.  The only thing we suggested to them to change was to remove the stems from the tea leaves to improve the experience - it was a bit like biting into small twigs.  Otherwise very good.  $16.95

- Shredded Pork Garlic Sauce - This dish can come very spicy.  I opted for less spicy.  It's like eating the pork version of kung pao chicken.  Instead of everything being diced though, you'll find everything shredded.  Pork, carrots, bamboo shoots, black fungus, and chopped green onions are stir fried with a spicy chili sauce.  Good. $10.95

- White Rice - The rice portion was a good size and easily shared.  It's not packed into the bowl like other places which was fine. $1.25

The servers are using an electronic system to take orders and they were very good about taking the extra time to explain the new dishes and what has changed to patrons whom ask.  As with other Chinese restaurants, there is still a lot of shouting in Chinese, but that's nothing new.  The owner keeps an eye on the operations and came around to ask how we liked the food.  It would be good for him to smile a bit more to add to the welcoming atmosphere.

Overall, the new menu additions seem to be good ones - based on my past experience, not everything here is spectacular - you just need to know what to order and when (i.e. order more of the dim sum dishes at lunch rather than dinner).   The decor has improved significantly.

Bonchon Chicken - Korean, South San Francisco

Westborough Blvd, South San Francisco CA 94080
Parking: crowded shopping center parking lot
http://www.bonchon.com/
Hours: 12pm -2:30pm, 5pm - 9pm

Last Visited: October 22, 2014

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

While Bonchon Chicken is a chain restaurant, the amount of hype for it in the Peninsula warrants a review. Recently opened at Westborough Square, this place is packed on a weeknight evening during this soft grand opening.  If you want to watch a game, there are a ton of screens - at least one on each wall, and more than that on some walls.  A minimal amount of bar seating is also available.

- Chicken Combo - Combos come with pickled radish as a side.  Depending on the combo size you select, you may be given additional sides - you can choose from coleslaw, kimchi coleslaw, kimchi, french fries, or steamed rice.  The chicken is offered with your choice of Soy Garlic (soy sauce and garlic mix) or Hot sauce (made with red chili peppers).  We got half and half so we could try both - I didn't have a preference between them though. The skin is crispy, even for the big pieces of chicken, and you'll appreciate the crunch.  Even with the sauce, it's still crispy, but you won't be able to get additional sauce - it's brushed onto the chicken, so after frying, it's a dry addition.  The chicken is juicy on the inside, but most of the flavoring is on the skin, so this is an area of improvement - I would love to see the flavor infused into the chicken.  See comments about sides below.  Small (6 wings, 3 drums) $12.95, Medium (10 wings, 5 drums) $21.95, Large (15 wings, 8 drums) $29.95, Extra Large (20 wings, 10 drums) $36.95

Wings, strips, or drums of various sizes can also be ordered on their own.

Sides - Depending on the size of chicken you order, you will have a choice of sides.  Pickled radish comes with all of the chicken.  Additional choices include french fries, coleslaw, kimchee coleslaw, kimchee, and steamed rice.  I found the pickled radish to be refreshing, but aged - not as tender as it could have been if the radish had been younger.  The fries are crispy and good.  The kimchee coleslaw could be a lot spicier - it's basically coleslaw with a mild kick.

- Bibimbob  - Steamed rice served with assorted vegetables and Korean pepper sauce in a sizzling hot pot - choice of bulgogi, seafood, or spicy chicken.  Compared to other places serving this, I found the dish to be a bit on the smaller side and rather unremarkable.  It will pass if you want to have it, but it's not a wow experience.  $13.95

Aside from chicken, you'll also find other Asian appetizers including edamame, octopus dumplings, potstickers, and seafood pancake on the menu.

Service is ok - they're friendly and check on you, but there is room for improvement - like filling your water glass in a more timely way.  There were many take out orders the evening of my visit and that seemed to keep servers busy as the main counter became a very busy place.

Bonchon is worth checking out to try something different, but stick to the chicken - a better version of the other items can be found at places that specialize in Korean and other Asian cuisine.

Saigon City - Vietnamese, San Mateo

418 E 3rd Ave, San Mateo CA 94401
(650) 350-8878
Parking: street parking

Last Visited: November 30, 2014

Food: 3 to 4 stars
Atmosphere: 3 stars
Service: 1 to 2 stars
Price: $ to $$

To get right to it, the food is good, but the service is absent.  When they're there, they're friendly, but it's hard to get someone's attention which can translate into long wait times.

I've now visited Saigon City twice - once on a very busy evening, and once during lunch not long after opening.  Both times, the food was good, but it seemed that the restaurant was understaffed - it took a really long time to have anyone come and take our order and while the food came out quickly, trying to get someone's attention at the end of the meal for the check is a big challenge.  Dinner took us more than an hour when the place was packed, but lunch was closer to 40 minutes.

The decor is pretty simple - tv in the back showing whatever game is on during your visit, brown siding from the middle of the wall to the floor, and framed art on the walls. The tables are kept very basic with paper placemats and wooden chopsticks in wrappers.

- Pho - There are the usual combinations of pho.  The special XL combo is offered with all of the fixings, but is only available in XL and priced at $8.25.   The other pho offerings come in the usual varieties in medium, large, and extra large sizes.  These range from in price from almost $7 to just over $8.  The broth comes super hot and the flavor is good.  The noodles were al dente and the quantity was ok for the large size, but I wouldn't have minded a bit more.  The picture shows the XL size.  The rare beef steak definitely comes rare and the basil and bean sprouts are super fresh.  Good stuff.  

- Grilled Pork Chop with Rice - The pork chops were grilled just right - tender, juicy, and slightly sweet from the marinade.  The slightly different thing about this dish, compared to other Vietnamese restaurants I've visited, was that the 'salad' that came with the pork chops were dressed with a big dollop of seasoned mayonnaise that turned out to be a great addition to the dish - that extra creaminess was quite good.  All of the vegetables were really fresh.  $7.50

As long as you can accept that the service will be mediocre but friendly, Saigon City is a place that offers good eats at very reasonable prices.  

Secret Pizza - Las Vegas, NV

3708 Las Vegas Blvd South, Las Vegas NV 89109
(702) 698-7860
Parking: Cosmopolitan parking lot

Last Visited: October 14, 2014

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

There's no sign and no clear indication of its location, but Secret Pizza inside the Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas has a following, and foodies seek it out even if it means circling the floor and finding someone with a slice of pizza to ask where they got it.

That's what happened to me - fellow foodie Winnie told me about it, and I was aimlessly wandering the floor looking for a sign, but then I spotted someone with a slice and then I was back on track. Look for the hallway decorated with lots of memorabilia (see photo for the entrance).
Once inside, there is a counter if you want to stand and about three stools if you actually need to sit.  They're known for their white slice, so of course that's what I had to try.

- White Slice - White cheese and spices make up  this delicious slice.  It's simple and tasty, but a bit oily.  Secret Pizza has all of their pizzas on display.  They take a slice and warm it in the oven as you make your way through the line to the register and a few minutes later, you're presented with a warm slice. Tastes great, but it would be better to cut back on the oil. $5.25 slice, $28 pie

Other pizza offerings include pepperoni, plain cheese, and vegetarian. The menu is pretty simple, offering pizza, salads, and desserts - cannoli and NY Cheesecake.  Drinks offered include soda, water red bull, and beer.

If you're in the San Francisco Bay Area, Cheeseboard Pizza in Berkeley offers great pie that is of a similar style, but no meat.

Jack's Prime Burgers & Shakes - American, San Mateo

3723 S El Camino Real, San Mateo CA 94403
(650) 638-1479
Parking: in parking lot and adjacent lot
http://www.jacksprime.com/

Last Visited: August 9, 2014

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

I had never heard of Jack's, but after reading some good reviews about it, it seemed like it was worth a try.  As we were driving by, we also noticed Jack's car wash next door.  This must be Jack's neighborhood.

From the exterior of the building, the diner theme came through loud and clear.  Booths, high top tables, and regular tables fill the space.  There were many families in the waiting area, but seats at the high top tables were available, so we were seated promptly and the host was friendly.  The menu is pretty simple - appetizers, burgers, and shakes.  If you're not into a burger, they have dinner-sized salads too.    Lots of folks were enjoying milk shakes, burgers, and fried fare.  Fried pickles seemed to be a super popular dish, but it looked heavily battered, so I opted for other fried treats. 

- Ultimate Bacon - Cheddar cheese, Applewood smoked bacon, bacon in the 1/3 pound patty, iceberg lettuce, maple bacon mayo - The unique thing about this burger is the bacon in the patty.  All of the fresh ingredients are good, but the extra flavor in the patty makes it special.  However if you cut the burger in half like I did, you'll find the bacon unevenly distributed, so it's not quite in every bite.  Good nonetheless.  The onion rings were a $1.50 upcharge, but worth it for the light and crispy batter.  The onion rings come with Russian dressing. Good stuff.   $12.75 without onion rings

- Whiskey Town Express - Angus beef patty with cheddar cheese, covered in bourbon glazed onions and mushrooms.  This patty melt came on toasted sourdough and was topped with mushrooms and onions.  It had an overwhelming amount of mayonnaise on it which made it feel and taste greasy so the experience was less palatable. The fries are fresh though - fried nicely on the outside and soft on the inside. $11.95 

Burgers run about $10-$13 each, and substituting onion rings or sweet potato fries instead of a side salad or fries costs $1.50 more.  You can also be more gourmet and add a fried egg, avocado, bacon, or another beef patty.

Service was friendly and they check on you between your meal.  They were good about refilling water too.  This is a good stop for a solid burger with fresh ingredients, but it lacked the wow factor for me.  The price you pay for the value you get it just ok.