Mazra - Mediterranean, San Bruno

504 San Bruno Ave W
San Bruno, CA 94066
(650) 225-9027
Parking: small parking lot, street parking

Hours: 11am-8pm Daily

https://www.eatmazra.com

Last Visited: January 3, 2021

Food: 4 stars
Atmosphere: 3 to 4 stars

Service: 3 to 4 stars
Price: $$

When I first heard about Mazra opening in San Bruno, I was excited to have another option for casual Mediterranean food.  Their menu looked so appetizing; offerings include wraps, grilled kebabs, mezza (salads, baba ghanoush, hummus etc), and of course, baklava. 

In Arabic, Mazra means 'farm;' essentially, this is Arabic/Mediterranean farm to table, or these days, take out order. Walk into Mazra and be hit with the inviting aromatic scent of spices - it will make you hungry just standing there.  You'll also find the decor to be warm and inviting, with some humor inserted into the art that reminds you to 'take it easy, habibi, good food takes time.'

During my two visits, I've found the guys behind the counter are super friendly and warm as they take your order and thank you for waiting.  I was so distracted by the amazing smells on the car ride home, that by the time I took out the food from my first visit, I forgot to take photos.

- Falafel Mezza Plate - 4 falafels, 5 signature sides, and pita bread.  I had a little problem during my first visit - they forgot the falafel.  However, when I called to let them know, I spoke to a manager and they were really apologetic, refunded me for the dish, and even offered free falafel during my next visit.  I appreciated how they went the extra mile to make up for the problem.  While I didn't have the primary item, the hummus, olives, grape leaves, and salads were really tasty and the falafel was still slightly warm.  This is a great plate. $13

- Falafel - Since I couldn't try it the first time, I had to order it during my second visit!  The falafel are filled with green herbs and well flavored.  Tahini is included as well as a few pickled turnip pieces. Solid. 6 for $4

- Kibbeh - These fried beef/lamb balls are made with bulgur, minced onion, and spices.  Well flavored.  I'm not an expert about what these should be like, but I can tell you it tastes good.  It's not crunchy on the outside, but the outside browning kept the whole fritter together. This is also served with tahini.  2 for $6

- Kebab Wrap with a side of fries - Choice of lamb, chicken, or shrimp - I opted for lamb and ordered the extra side.  The meat is juicy and not at all gamey.  The wrap is served on pita bread and includes tomato, onion, pickle, and tzatziki.  The flavors meld together so well and it's filling.  The seasoned fries are tasty and even better after warmed up in the air-fryer.  It's a healthy portion that makes the addition a good value. $13 for lamb + $2 fries

They also offer family style platters including a whole chicken with side dishes, kebab packs, and mezza platters.  There are also a number of shwarma options available if you prefer a plate.

This is a place I can see myself returning to again and again.  Good flavorful food, friendly people, and a nice addition to the San Bruno area.  

Note that you can't order over the phone - they take online or in-person orders only.  Also, if you pay with a credit card, there is an extra service fee.

Cafe 3:15 - Chinese BBQ, San Bruno

1212 El Camino Real, San Bruno CA 94066

(650) 636-4380

Parking: shopping center lot

Last Visited: December 4, 2020

Food: 4 to 5 stars
Atmosphere: N/A - Takeout only, catering available

Service: 3 to 4 stars

Price: $$ 

This is my first post since sheltering in place, so it seems fitting to write about a restaurant that opened during COVID-19.  A friend mentioned that this place recently opened and to come check it out.

Cafe 3:15 doesn't have a sign with its name out front, but from the Chinese roast duck hanging in window, there is no mistaking what this bbq shop is selling.  Located in the former Dickey's BBQ spot, this place has now switched over to Hong Kong style BBQ. 

The ordering area is pretty small and can barely fit two people maximum, but plexiglass surrounds everything and the staff is masked.  One person takes the orders and bags up the food while the chef is chopping the meat, so I felt it was COVID safe.  

- Marinated Duck - I tried the leg, and it's so incredibly full of flavor, but not overly cooked.  Their duck is meaty and the skin is so tender that it practically melts in your mouth.  The leg offering is written on a paper sign in Chinese and not on the regular menu. $2.50 Leg only,  $11.80/half duck, $21.80 whole duck 

 

- Roast Duck (as part of BBQ combo over rice) - I tried a piece of duck after bringing it home, but even hours after, the duck skin remained lightly crispy.  It's impressive how good the duck is without being too fatty.  I don't think I've had duck skin that good outside of a restaurant.  Highly recommend getting this.  $11.80/half duck, $21.80 whole duck

- Soy Sauce Chicken (as part of BBQ combo over rice) - Since we ordered two meats over rice and paired with the roast duck, the duck was dark meat and this was white meat.  If you know about Chinese bbq shops, if you request all dark meat, they will usually charge you more, or by default, give you one meat that is dark meat and the other is white meat.  Even though it was white meat, the soy sauce chicken was still pretty juicy.  The skin had absorbed the flavor of the soy sauce well and tasted very fresh.  Rice plates also come with vegetables - in this case, broccoli and half of a cooked salted egg which was a nice surprise. The rice itself wasn't as hot as if you just took it out of the steamer, so I would forego that next time.  Still nice that there is broccoli though.  $11.80/half chicken, $21.80 whole chicken

- Roast Pork - No matter what you do with an air fryer, you can't get the skin as good as this.  The pork had just the right amount of fat to meat ratio and the skin was on par with getting a suckling pig.  It's rare that the quality of skin is that high where it just melts in your mouth, but retains that crunch.  The color is also so beautifully golden.  Highly recommend this one too. $11.80 per pound

The line will likely be out the door in no time, even if it wasn't for the six feet requirements between parties during COVID.  Definitely check out the roasted duck and pork.  I hope to try the Peking Duck offering some time soon.

Dumpling Alley - Chinese, San Francisco

2512 Clement St, San Francisco CA 94121
(415) 753-9617
Parking: street parking
Hours: Lunch Thurs-Sun 11:30am - 2:30pm, Dinner Tues - Sun 5pm-9:30pm, Closed Mondays

Last Visited: February 8, 2020

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

Dumpling Alley was just featured on Eater SF's 22 essential Chinese restaurants article late last month as #6 on the list with xiao long bao and the shrimp stuffed donut as must-order items.  However, less than two weeks since the article went out, these have already come off the menu.  I wasn't the only one asking for XLB, and learned that these two items, plus the fried shrimp balls are no longer available because of the time and/or labor it takes to make them.  Despite warning about the long wait for XLB, which most customers agreed to, the backup on orders often grew through the evening, and even when they were available at the time promised,  people still became grumpy because of the wait.  With that, they decided to remove these off the menu.  The new menu, available in a few weeks, promises to have more specialties, including a selection of fresh vegetables.

We arrived at 5pm right when they opened and were the first table seated.  The two guys running the front of the house were friendly; we were immediately greeted and given the choice of any seat in the house.  After ordering, we had a chance to ask about the XLB situation and whether they would be on the new menu, as well as what the scoop was with the rest of the items that were no longer available.

The first dish arrived after a 15-20 minute wait.  The last dish after more than half an hour, although we ordered everything at the same time.  Make sure to give yourself plenty of time because it's not one of those places where the food comes out right away.   In the mean time, you can watch the dumpling maker in the window preparing dough and wrapping each dumpling.  She was really friendly and even brought out different colored dough for the kid that showed up at the table next to us later in the evening.  What a great way to keep kids entertained.  I haven't seen any other Chinese restaurants take the time to do this. 

- Shrimp and Chive Dumplings (10 pieces) - It was worth the wait as the dumplings were super fresh tasting with a thin wrapper.  The filling had fresh chives and each one had a sizable piece of shrimp inside.  There aren't any condiments on the table, so what you see in the photo is the dipping sauce that you get.  Four stars. $9

- Alley Stir-Fried Thick Egg Noodles - Thick noodles are cooked with red and green bell pepper strips, chicken strips (breast meat), onions, and cabbage.  The flavor is very mild and though it had good 'wok air' (super hot and steaming), it wasn't particularly special.  Good portion.  Three stars.  $11 

- Pan-Fried Pork Buns (6 buns) - These were done very well - tender bun, juicy filling, and a slight crunch on the golden sesame encrusted bottom (no soggy bottoms here).  Five stars - this is the must try item on my list. 8.50

- Organic Garlic Bok Choy - Nicely salted, this dish of sauteed vegetables is a bit pricey (about 10-12 heads), but tasty.  I give it four stars since it still had that crunch, but was thoroughly cooked.  $12

It's unfortunate that the XLB isn't available anymore - the dough for the wrappers and buns were really good, so I imagine the XLB wrapper would have been good too. 

It would also be better if they would put some vinegar, soy sauce, and chili sauce on the table so you can make your own dipping sauce because you feel limited to what they give you now.  The other area for improvement is serving time and waiting time for the receipt.  The kitchen seems to be making everything to order without enough chefs so food takes a good amount of time to come out and dishes arrive sporadically. 

We were getting close to being done with the three other dishes when the vegetables finally came. 

All in all, good food; we'll see what the new menu will bring.  Try it if you can find parking or happen to be in the area.   

Wei Guo House - Chinese, San Francisco - CLOSED

3751 Geary Blvd, San Francisco CA 94118
(415) 668-1588
Parking: street parking
Hours: Tues-Thurs, Sunday 11am-3pm, 5pm-9pm; Fri-Sat 11am-3pm, 5pm-9:30pm; Closed Mondays

Last Visited: December 31, 2019

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

Wei Guo House has been open for about a month now.  With a limited menu of double-boiled soups, dim sum and appetizers, clay pot rice, porridge and rice noodles, the selection may seem a bit small, but of the choices available, the food is reminiscent of good home cooking and comfort food.  Note that if there is tape on the Chinese portion of the menu, it's not available.

The decor is pretty simple - brightly lit, a counter for ordering take out with a view to the kitchen, and a very open layout that is visible to the outside.  It's a cafe-style setting - very simple with some booth seating new the windows.

Pricing is moderate, but clay pot rice and double-boiled soups have always been seemingly a bit more expensive because of the expertise it takes to get a perfect crust on the rice in the clay pot and double-boiled soup just takes time to cook.


- Double-boiled watercress with duck kidney soup - Unlike most soup that you order at a Chinese restaurant which is cooked to order and boiled in a wok, this is is cooked in a tiny crock that easily serves two if you're using small bowls.  A single person could easily drink a whole one too.  A serving of watercress, a few spareribs, and a single thick slice of duck kidney are cooked together over many hours in a double boiler.  The flavors of the ingredients have melded together and the broth is hot, but not so hot as to burn your mouth.  If you grew up drinking this type of soup, this will remind you of what mom or grandma used to make.  Solid.  $6.99

- Seaweed siu mai (4 pieces) - While the pork siu mai inside the seaweed is much like any other siu mai, the unique thing about these is the seaweed wrapper.  The seaweed flavor is strong, but not overpowering - a nice briny taste that I would recommend if you enjoy eating seaweed.  Good. $5.99

- Pork spareribs and preserved meat clay pot rice - A good-sized clay pot is filled with rice and pork spareribs, ginger strips, Chinese sausage, and preserved pork belly top the rice.  Green onions top the meat.  Clay pot rice typically takes a while to make, and it was no different here.  The rice was cooked through and the spareribs had been marinated until tender.  Soy sauce mixed with seasoned oil is available at the table for you to mix with your rice.  While it looks like sometimes the rice is cooked to a perfect crust so that you can scrape it from the pot, I didn't find that crust at the bottom of our rice.  It was still tasty, but that's what prevented a rating of five stars.  This is a great dish for a cold night.  $13.99

- Singapore Style Rice Noodles - Since we were still hungry after the first three dishes, we added this one.  Singapore Style rice noodles is flavored with curry and contains strips of barbecued pork, bell peppers, onions, and egg.  It's rare to find al dente rice noodles, but these were perfect.  The noodles had just the right consistency and the dish had 'wok air' - perfectly hot in temperature.  We were impressed by how well done this dish was made and of all of the dishes, this is the one I would recommend the most.  It's also a great deal since the serving size is large.  $10.99

The chef/owner came by after our meal to see if we liked the food, and he seemed to do this with all of the customers.

Overall, the food is good and if you don't have time to make Cantonese-style soup at home, this is a more than acceptable option.  While I wouldn't mind going back because the food here is solid, there's just a lot of competition in the area, so I would more likely check out other places before returning. If you're going to go, get the Singapore style rice noodles.

Liholiho Yacht Club - Hawaiian Fusion, San Francisco

871 Sutter St, San Francisco CA 94109
(415) 444-liho
Parking: street parking
Hours: Mon-Thurs 5pm-10:30pm, Fri-Sat 5pm-11pm, Closed Sundays
http://liholihoyachtclub.com/

Last Visited: December 8, 2016

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

Liholiho Yacht Club is a hip place with dishes that have Hawaiian and Asian influences.  The neon sign in blue out front makes it easy to find.  Reservations can be a bit difficult, but I was able to get them on a weeknight slightly in advance without too much effort.

During my visit, it was a rainy evening, and that made the space a bit humid - perhaps that's a bit reminiscent of Hawaii itself without the warmth.  The restaurant has an open kitchen and a lot of light colored wood.

The server greeted us and explained that dishes were intended to be tapas sized and shared family style. We found her to be professional, but not particularly friendly in her demeanor - not sure if it's because we didn't order alcohol or if there was another reason.  She seemed friendlier to the table next to us which ordered a few more dishes and wine even though their party size was the same.  The presentation of dishes is nice with good attention to detail.

- Tuna Poke, sesame oil, radish, nori cracker - I loved the freshness of the poke in this dish.  The nori chip is a bit thicker than I would have liked, but it holds up well to the weight of the fish and the nori flavor is a bit stronger because of the thickness.  A lighter chip would have been preferred, but then you would need to serve it more as a dipping chip rather than a base.  A drizzle of dressing and microgreens top the fish.  If tuna is fresh, it's hard to go wrong with this kind of dish.  Good. $16.50

- Fried Oyster, beef carpaccio, butter lettuce, 1000 island - The oysters were good lightly crisp and the thinly sliced beef was tender.  Chives top the beef.  Although each ingredient was good on its own, this combination did not dazzle me.  Not bad, but not wow - just okay. -  $13.50

- Fried rice, bay shrimp, spam, abalone mushrooms (on menu) - Since my visit, I have heard that there is an off menu version of the same dish with house made spam that is pretty good.  Nevertheless, I found this dish to be very greasy.  There is an abundance of shrimp on top and spam in the dish.  The mushrooms absorb the flavors well, but I ended up taking most of this dish home.  I added cooked rice and stir-fried it again. This made it more palatable since it was less salty and the oil was better distributed. A bit heavy on its own.  Just okay.  $16.25

- Grilled Short Rib, escargot, bone marrow, mushrooms, fresh horseradish - This was the best dish of the evening.  The short rib sat atop leeks and red onions; the meat was cooked medium and topped with an herb sauce and a sprinkle of cheese.  The bone marrow was amazing - probably the best I've had.  Stuffed with escargot and topped with breadcrumbs (or maybe panko), each bite is scrumptious and tender - instead of a butter preparation, these escargot are nestled in the bone marrow and take on all of that flavor.    Although presentation looks a bit messy due to the jus, the taste makes up for it.  Must try!  $40.75

- Baked Hawaii, caramelized pineapple ice cream, vanilla chiffon - The presentation of this dish is lovely.  How can you not appreciate the beehive shape and lovely browning on the meringue?  The caramel swirl and refreshing pineapple ice cream was good, but I found the garnish of canned pineapple and flaked coconut to be less exciting.   $10.50


There are a lot of plate changes throughout the evening, so you can appreciate their service.  Note also that an employer mandate will be charged.

Overall, I think it's a fun experience to try a different cuisine, but not some place I would go regularly mostly because the price point is a bit high considering the service and size of the dishes.  The short ribs and bone marrow could bring me back though.

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.

Broadway Prime - Steakhouse, Burlingame

1316 Broadway Ave, Burlingame, CA 94010
(650) 558-8801
Parking: street parking
Hours: 5pm-10pm Daily
http://www.broadwayprime.com/


Last Visited: June 2, 2019

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

Open since 2000, I figured it was a safe bet since it's still here and my workplace often sends visitors here.  Like most steakhouses, the menu is pretty simple offering various cuts of prime rib, steak, and one option each for those eating fish and vegetarians.

I chose to go here because getting a weekend reservation at House of Prime Rib would take too much time and effort, and I wanted my last supper before my elimination diet started to contain just about everything that I wouldn't be able to eat for a couple of months.  As expected, the reservation part was easy and since it's Burlingame, there is a lot of parking along Broadway.

Each entree comes with salad and a two sides - potato of your choice: baked potato, mashed potatoes, or roasted garlic mashed potatoes and other choice of creamed spinach or creamed corn.  You also get a baked popover.

When we arrived, we were quickly seated and given cold forks (nice nod to the old school) and warm french bread.  The salad, which they call their 'fresh salad with our special dressing,' is romaine or iceberg lettuce (depending on when you go) with beets and hard boiled eggs.  The dressing is reminiscent of thousand island.  It's not anything to write home about, especially since iceberg doesn't hold up to this quantity of dressing well, but not bad.  One member of our party can't eat raw foods, so he skipped it and just got a little more potato.

The popover was hot and good.  Crusty outside, soft inside - buttery in taste.  It arrived right before the prime rib was brought to the table.  All potato dishes were served on small plates and also came separate from the prime rib which is located at the front of the restaurant.

I chose the Peninsula cut, which is the smallest prime rib choice available, creamed spinach, and a baked potato.  The prime rib was good - not the best you'll ever have, but it's what you expect - good au jus and it came with the doneness as we ordered it - the photo shows the pink meat as is expected for medium doneness. While it looks a little thin coming out (my eyes are always bigger than my stomach), after eating all of the sides along with the meat, I was amply full. You can always go for the larger cuts too - the select cut (most common choice) and Broadway cut (thick cut which can be served sliced, English style) are also available.  The creamed spinach was tasty and the baked potato was perfectly fine - it came with sour cream, butter, bacon, and chives. $40

Service is fine - friendly and they check on you mid-meal, but it's not House of Prime Rib, and if you expect it to be, you'll be sorely disappointed.  The salad is not made table-side, and you don't get that very old school San Francisco feel of HoPR, but it's also more convenient, so just know what you're getting into.  One thing they did well is that when they noticed that much of our party had gone to wash their hands when we arrived, they waited until everyone got back before bringing resuming their service.

While I wouldn't say Broadway Prime is a must visit place, at its price point and considering how easy it is to find parking and a reservation, it's fine.  For me, it's just above three stars in all categories, but I'll let you decide for yourself.  It hit the spot and served its purpose - I enjoyed a decent prime rib and was happily full at the end of it all.