Essanay Cafe

 

0

3

Amy A.

Union City, CA

I first found out about this place when I went to the Niles Christmas Parade. They were selling mozzarella sticks and some other things. They were good so I decided to try them one day for lunch. I ordered a salad. It was great! The people who work there are  friendly and make you feel so comfortable and welcome. I felt like I was at home. A lot different from the service you'd receive at say AppleBees or Chevys. I found the prices to be reasonable as well. This is one of Niles best kept secrets!

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

 

12

54

Brenda C.

Fremont, CA

I went here with my mom and loved it so much, our family went here for easter brunch.  

The first time i came here i had their kahlua creme brulee french toast, and the second time i came here i had their quiche.  Both meals were very yummy and i had a wonderful experience.  My family loved their food as well and i know we will be back.  I can't wait!

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

 

9

19

Brian H.

Union City, CA

I generally don't like to visit Niles let alone drive through Niles.  I don't care how historic it is, the place gives me the creeps.  But seeing this place so highly regarded on Yelp gave me sufficient cajones to overcome my heebie-jeebies.

This place is quite charming--in a very Fremont way.  Yeah, that's sort of a back-handed compliment, but I really mean it.  The folks were super friendly.  The restaurant shows definite signs of care, even if on a budget.  And when our desserts were brought out, they wrote the words "Eternal Love" on each of our plates and sang us made-up Anniversary song (it was our wedding anniversary).  This was definitely a "nice" restaurant, much more so than that decrepid Papillon.

But the food.  Oh, the food!  It's like they're almost there, but not really.  The chef tries just way too hard to be creative and only succeeds about 1/3 of the way.  We had a shrimp appetizer, for example, and it was cooked to perfection, but then it was surrounded by about four times too much mango salsa on top of this crispy pastry that had been sadly murdered of its crispiness by said salsa.  And then there were a few wilted salad leaves randomly strewn about the sides.  Sloppy.  I also had the ostrich meatloaf, cus, hey why not?  Well, I'll tell you why, because the chef had completely overwhelmed the taste of the ostrich with some insane combination of sweet condiments.  I thought the point of eating something like ostrich was to taste it?

And the quality --- sorely lacking.  My wife ordered a baby artichoke bruschetta.  Not only did the 'toast' on which the bruschetta was served come out about as crisp as a damp sponge, but they served jarred/canned artichokes.  I mean, c'mon folks.  That's just insulting and dishonest.  The bruschetta was a great idea and if it were made with fresh artichokes and crisp toast, it would've been amazing.  But no, it wasn't.  After returning my tastes-like-ostrich-candy meatloaf, I got the NY strip.  It was surprisingly thin and certainly lacked the degree of marbling/tenderness that I would expect from a place that charges $90+ for two.  This was definitely not prime beef, but it was barely choice.

I hate to give such a poor review to this place cus it's just so charming, but really, it's just not very good.  Maybe one day, someone will open up a restaurant around here that serves good quality food, cooked right, and isn't given to all that fussiness.  But that day will not be found at Essanay.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

 

20

23

Nate T.

Fremont, CA

Fine dining. Fremont. I mentioned to my co-workers in San Francisco that I was going to a "nice restaurant" in Fremont for my birthday and naturally the laughter broke out immediately.

Clearly a few people out in the 'burbs are starting to wake up and realize that we like to eat more than just P.F. Changs and Applebees!

I had no idea how small this place is until we walked in ... I'm definitely glad we decided to make a reservation! Apparently live jazz is their thing on Thursday nights - the night we went there was a lone guitarist strumming away - the waitress informed us that the rest of the band had called in sick.

Interestingly enough, the salad ended up being the highlight of the meal. Field greens, walnuts and topped with three skewers of coconut shrimp...different and tasty! The entrees were interesting but not mind blowing - I ordered the fillet Mignon meatloaf and my wife ordered the New York steak served with pommes frites. Cucumber infused water was an interesting odd little touch as well. A very nice beer selection - I get all giddy when I see Samuel Smith's Oatmeal Stout on a menu!

Most of my four stars go towards the great service. They belt out an awesome rendition of Happy Birthday and seem to have a lot of character. I hope this place sticks around.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Elite '08

194

276

Daniela A.

Fremont, CA

After years of hearing about Essanay Cafe, we finally decided to try it for brunch. I am so glad we did! This place is truly a gem, with its cozy yet classy decor, great, personalized service and last, but not least, the wonderful food they serve at this establishment. Unlike most restaurants in Fremont this place has history, as well as character and charm. This is a very unusual combination of traits considering the city it is located in, and when I find a restaurant like this I quickly become a regular. I will probably be eating here at least once every couple of weeks from now on, which is perfect considering their menu changes with the seasons. All (or at least most) of the items on their menu are locally grown, and the quality of the food, as well as the creativity of the menu planning make this place a new favorite.
This is what our table ordered:
-Pitcher of Sangria:  Very good, not too sweet.
-Bloody Mary: Considering this was made with sake, it was actually pretty good, but not as good as other ones I have had.
-Dungenness crab hush puppies eggs benedict: TO DIE FOR!! Soooo good... I honestly can't even begin to describe how good this was.
- Burger: I didn't try it, but the verdict is that this is an excellent burger
- Omelette: I'm not sure what exactly was in it, but this also got rave reviews from those who ate it.
- Vanilla bean cheesecake with banana-caramel sauce: Rich, yet light... complete and utter perfection.
- Berry bread pudding a la mode: Pretty good, but sort of pales in comparison to the cheesecake.

We were also very impressed with the beverage menu, and the wine list. The even  offer wine tasting courses, and wine-pairing dinners. We are definitely going back, because it was HANDS DOWN the best restaurant we have been to in all five years that we've lived in Fremont!

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Elite '08

73

612

helen t.

Fremont, CA

this is quite a find in fremont!!  i rarely come out to niles, since it's so far from me, but there are a lot of cute stores and cafes in the area.  i met two of my HS friends here for lunch today, and it was really good.

i had the salmon club, which came w/ a side of either salad, fries, sweet potato fries, or fruit.  the sandwich was really big and on toasted sourdough bread.  the salmon was perfectly cooked, not dry, and it came w/ a garlicky aioli.  yum!!  the side salad was even good, and there were many choices for dressing.  i went w/ the balsamic vinaigrette, which was slightly curried.  i also had a mimosa, and it was only $3!!  that is unheard of in sf!!  i will definitely be back, and i heard the sunday farmers market meals are great, as well!

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

 

4

21

Claire C.

Berkeley, CA

I've only been here once for the brunch, and I can't believe I never knew about this place! Sorry Dino's, Country Way, and Original Pancake House: I may not be back too often from now on... for an extra dollar or two I can get better food, superior service, and the loveliest country cottage ambience at Essanay.

My friends and I tried the quiche, french toast, and the honey polenta pancakes. I'd love to come back for dinner sometime. They do take reservations, but it didn't look like we needed one at 10 am.

EDIT: The second time I went, service was not too great. The server brought out the wrong dish, and then proceeded to make me feel bad about wanting them to remake my order? Hmm. Also, my sister got the hot cocoa and it was the most terrible I've ever tasted in my life (water and mix, chunky and salty, even the whipped cream couldn't save it...)

Still, the owner Bruce is super nice, and they now have a patio in the back. I can't bear to give one of Fremont's best any less than four stars.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

 

0

1

jackie c.

Fremont, CA

This is the best restaurant in Fremont in my opinion.  The food is absolutely delicious-especially with their fabulous wine pairing.  The prices are very very reasonable.  The wait staff is friendly and professional and they work very hard.  My only complaint is that it takes rather a long time to be seated even if you have a reservation.  However, it is definitely worth the wait.   There is a rather nice walk way outside the restaurant, which is unique for Fremont as all the other nice restaurants are located in ugly shopping centers or next to Mission Blvd.  I would recommend this restaurant very highly.  I would try them before their prices go up...this is my prediction as the quality of their food is great.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

 

36

394

Valerie F.

Fremont, CA

Some how I missed this jewel in my own backyard I don't know. It is literally wine country type food at Fremont prices. That being said the service was a bit slow and we fell through a crack, but unlike most of the local chains (and even some of the $$$$ places in The City) they really made an effort to make up by giving us free appetizers and their crab bisque which was AMAZING! Corkage is only 10 dollars. Now I don't have to go all the way to San Jose (or SF) to get a decent meal.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

 

2

24

Cathy L.

Fremont, CA

All-in-all I love this restaurant.  They are small and friendly, but with that you get a little slower service, with a little quirky thrown in.

Love the patio behind the place, with the tomatoes growning up the side, and the white "fairy" lights.

My favorite time to eat here is still Saturday breakfast - when you can slow down and enjoy!  My favorite order is the "Honey Polenta Pancakes with Carmalized Bananas and candied Walnuts".  Hello - how can you go wrong ordering something that has a description like that.  I am not a coffee drinker, so I am pleased with the large assortment of tea (bags) offered.  It is a nice touch.

Last time we went there for dinner- we took my infant daughter, and I was pleasantly surprised that the waitstaff didn't even blink, but offered up a highchair, some sliced banana, and some blocks for her to play with. And here I was - worried about getting looks for having her there.  But she instead stole the show - as always, and we appreciated the extra effort.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

 

2

45

David C.

San Jose, CA

easy 4 stars IMO. for a place so nice, with such a comfortable atmosphere, nice staff (could be weird at times), and good food, I don't know how to give this place less than 3 stars, esp. when I put in the fact that it's in Fremont !! ..... seriously ... i seconded, thirded, n-ed your opinions ..... the fact that it's in Fremont says A LOT about what a find this is!

I came here for lunch on a Saturday, almost 2 pm, still pretty busy place, but we got our seats immediately, the server was very attentive also. For food, we got crab cake egg benedict, bacon cheeseburger, and quiche for three of us. I didn't get to try the quiche(chicken), but I loved the benedict and the bacon cheeseburger. They do use top quality food for their dishes, and the way they make them is special, you can feel that little different touch they put in their food. The coffee was the best coffee I have ever tasted in an restaurant. Can't wait to come back for dinner!

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

 

0

5

Stephanie L.

Fremont, CA

I don't want to establish myself as an easy reviewer by slapping five stars down--I do have standards--but if you've lived in the cuisine-vacuum that is Fremont as long as I have, the sheer gratitude for a restaurant like this merits a little hyperbole.

For the past 26 (!) years of living in Fremont (not because I'm in love with the city, but because it's safe, accessible to the commute, blah blah blah), my mantra regarding dining out was: "Good luck finding a place without an 800 number for franchise opportunities on the back of the menu." As my tastes in food gained sophistication, my dismay and civic cynicism ballooned.

Then came this place.

Now mind you, there were some significant hiccups in service in the early days (remind me to tell you the story of the English Muffin that needed THREE trips to the kitchen before it was properly--i.e. "not raw"--toasted). Yet, there was something about the owner's acute attention to the right ingredients, and damn good coffee, and (what's this?) even a slice of *cucumber* in the table water, that made me pigheadedly continue to patronize to see if they could get the kinks worked out. (It helps that I live a quarter mile away.)

A little more than a year later, what a difference. This restaurant is consistently *crazy*-good, with a menu that dares to challenge the average Fremontian to move beyond Olive Garden fare. Annie, the chef, appears to be as gifted as she is fearless.   The prices are refreshingly affordable, and the menu has quite a lot of range considering the freshness of the ingredients and the artistry of presentation.

The service staff is still a bit quirky, but in a good way. Bruce, the owner, is very involved and always interested in feedback (a few months ago the breakfast menu underwent a sudden, brunchy overhaul, and he got quite a lot of that feedback stuff--and there were soon some modifications to the menu as a result).

Best kept secret: On Tuesday evenings, the cafe holds its open mike nights, with a special light bites and cocktails menu, while local artists of all walks of life take turns performing poetry, music, even comedy.

Great place for weekend breakfast--bring your dog  and sit at a sidewalk table and the staff will bring a water bowl for Fido.

One more thing: they just opened their back outdoor lighted patio. Really nice touch.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

 

0

3

Steve G.

Fremont, CA

This place is adorable located at the Niles district in Fremont. Reasonably priced food (entrees are around $20 for dinner). Not many businesses were open when we arrived at 8PM.

The food:  Ah, the food!  Everything was delicious -   Great flavors, great portions, and great presentations. I ordered Pan Seared Duck Breast. The meat was tender and moist. I love the way they prepared this meat. it taste like the duck entree' I ordered at Le Club Chasse et Peche restaurant in Montreal, QC last week. Only I paid more for that dish. My friend ordered Black Pepper Crusted Filet Mignon and he loved it. It came medium rare as requested. And the Camelized Onion Scalloped Potatoes that accompanied the dish was incredible.

The service: Delightful.  Our server was witty and friendly - but not overbearing.  Also I appreciated her unadorned two-cents on recommendations.

We would definitely visit again. It is nice to know that there is a great restaurant just behind the backyard. It will save us gas not driving to San Francisco for great food.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

 

6

71

Diverblam L.

Mountain View, CA

2.5 stars.

Met a friend here for lunch... it was decent.  The waitress was a bit flustered... every time she came to our table, she fumbled with her words.  We did come here for a Sunday brunch... so perhaps she had a fantastic late Saturday night and therefore wasn't 100% there! =)

Anyways, I ordered their Dungeness crab & goat cheese corn fritter eggs benedict.  My friend ordered their linguisa sausage eggs benedict, which came with home fries but she asked to change it to hash.  What I received was the regular eggs benedict with ham... Ooopps... I thought I ordered the crab?  She said she thought I ordered the ham.  My friend and I both had to say that I ordered the crab... not the ham.  (How could I have said, "Dungeness ham?")  She apologized and took it back.  My friend's order arrived, but with home fries and not hash.  We asked about that too... and the waitress mumbled something about only having home fries now and apologized for that too.  Anyways, my crab benedict arrived within 5 minutes or so... the crab cakes were tiny!  And pre-cooked as they weren't hot and 5 minutes seemed too fast to cook my dish!  I can definitely taste the goat cheese... yummy... it didn't taste too crabby and I really couldn't taste the "corn fritter" part.... So we ended up asking about that too.  Apparently the corn fritter was the batter for the crab cakes (which had a really dark outside... I think it sat on the griddle a bit too long).  Thankfully, the eggs were cooked perfectly... sunny side up... so all the gooey runny yokes coated everything and made everything yummy.  I love potatoes... made any way... and it takes a lot to F*** up potatoes.  Their home fries were too thin and sat in the deep fryer a bit too long... bad combination... they were overcooked and therefore tasted like burnt thin potatoes.  Plus, they weren't hot (or warm either)... so the potatoes had clearly been sitting out... waiting...  It says a lot if I didn't finish the potatoes on my plate.  I usually eat everything on my plate!

I might give them a second chance if I was in the area... only because it seems like they had great reviews... maybe come a little earlier so the chef can give my dish more attention?????

Anyways... thankfully, I had great company and that's what coming here was really about.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

 

10

32

Stacy S.

Fremont, CA

update, 10/8/2007:
I went here last night with my brother. We did the tasting menu. I had oysters with sundried tomato pesto and feta cheese, paired with a moscat. For my entree I had a pecan encrusted sea bass. Spiced beignets were my dessert.

The service was awesome, she hooked it up on the wine. She poured with a heavy hand and gave us some ice wine (which, by the way, is THE best type of dessert wine ever) to go with our desserts.

We sat outside on the patio and it was really nice. Christmas lights dangling above always give me a neat feeling inside.

This is definetly a date place. I need to find a cute boy to bring me here again.

**************************8
I went here last week with my best friend. We are both foodies. I had the blackened salmon and he had a filet mignon. It was awesome!!! Kind of pricey, but fremont needs more little places like this, especially with pearl's cafe gone.
I really want to try their sunday menu, i hear its only $30 for a 3 course tasting.

you should definetly make reservations if you plan to eat here at night, it is very busy!

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Elite '08

38

212

Bernadette M.

Hayward, CA

I only come here for the CRAB BISQUE.  It is sooo good and unlike anywhere else.  One time, I went there on a Sunday and they served it COLD!  My boyfriend almost spit it out but swallowed it down anyways.  Poor guy.  The food is OK.  The salads are a nice portion.  I wasn't interested in trying any of their sandwiches, etc. I'm a salad and soup kind of girl.  

My boyfriend and I have probably been there a 4 times.  The service is pretty bad unless it's the owner taking the time to talk to us, to make sure the food is good and that we're enjoying ourselves.  I do like it when one of the waiters wear the 'Charlie' hat though.   The space is cramped so keep your elbows in as if you're stuck in an aisle seat on a plane.

From my previous experiences here, I get my Crab Bisque to go and I make sure it's HOT.  Also, they're hours are weird, so call to make sure they're open.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

 

0

2

Ken D.

Fremont, CA

With Pearls gone, our restaurant choices in Fremont are 400 fast food restaurants, chinese, mexican or blah.  Having just heard about Essanay from my neighbor, we decided to try it last night and we were very pleasantly surprised!  I had the Aussie swordfish (not endangered so don't even start w/ me) and my wife had the duck.  The swordfish came with what I want to call a vegetable lasagna - a wonderful creation of grilled vegetables stacked 4 inches high with a bechamel sauce.  Yum, yum!  The duck was served with brie / garlic mashed potatoes and a reduction sauce.  The food is very creative - certainly not the old fish on mashed potatoes that you get everywhere these days. The portions are nice- making you feel that you are getting value for your $$ and the wine list is ok (I brought my own since they are still developing their cellar).  

My only complaint was that the creme brulee was a bit eggy. I like mine more creamy, but this is a very, very minor issue. We managed to devour it in a few minutes.

Since our server was new that day, Annie, the chef, helped us choose our dinners and did a fantastic job preparing them.  We brought my 9 year old and they do have a special kids menu as well as crayons coloring books and some cool Wikkis - which seem to be plastic coated string from which you can make fun models of airplanes, houses, cars and guns... So I would rate this as kid friendly although you really want to eat here to get away from the kids.

We will go back again for the winemakers dinner on the 29th and re rate.  Essanay certainly has the potential to be 5 stars, they just need some more time to work out some minor kinks.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

 

12

15

Jessica M.

San Jose, CA

Annie Hawaii Wood!

That would be the name of Essanay Cafe's Executive Chef. FURTHERMORE, that is the reason why this place got the 5th star!

First of all, when you meet someone that instantly makes you feel like a "regular" that is a pretty good indication that the evening in store will end flawlessly. Second of all, when "that" person is the Executive Chef that really makes the dining experience special. FINALLY, "Anniewood" is radical maaaaaaan!

In my opinion...

The CRAB BISQUE was an absolute delectable delight! Every single spoonful was not shy on the crab, which made it consistently flavorful.

TIGER SHRIMP... yeah it was gooooood! So, GET IT!

DUCK BREAST... clouds are breaking apart, the light is coming down, chorus is singing ~**aaaaaaahhhhh**~ high-pitched... GOOOOOOD!

...and when you pair a couple good tasting entrees with an '04 Concannon Sirah from Pleasanton you can go ahead and lick those fingers of yours... well just because of course!

Oh, and just so you know... I am NOT a dessert fan, BUT...

the PANACOTA paired with MUSCAT & CHAMPAGNE...whoa! Explosion in the mouth! I was most definitely filled up to my throat in food, but I still managed to finish the dessert.

Portions are generous ~**got my kewl modern lookin' doggie-box chillin' in the fridge labeled w/ the date and entree**~!

Executive Chef Annie Hawaii Wood... "GENEROUSER"! When the MUSKAT CHAMPAGNE is served by the Executive Chef ~**amongst other items**~ AND graciously offered, "on the house", WOW! THANK YOU! & YES I WILL BE BACK!

Considering that this was my first ESSANAY CAFE experience and I already know that Annie's parents were hippies, she picked her little brother's middle name ~**Duffy**~ at the age of 2 in honor of her grandfather's middle name, and her older brother picked her middle name ~**Hawaii**~ may give you an idea of why I am instantly fond of this quaint, upper-class, rustic feeling cafe!

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

 

0

6

Shane P.

Newark, CA

Cozy place with awesome food and excellent ingredients - Nice view of the hills! The service was excellent and gracious. It's a small restuarant so if you're in a group bigger than 4, make a rez.

For wine, it seemed better to just get a bottle instead of per glass, but we went with wine flights. We really enjoyed the wine flights. Each tasting (3 total) was like a full glass at some places I've been. Quite a bargain for $10+!

I've had dinner and brunch here, and I can't say enough good things. Brunch portions are good so bring an appetite.

For the usually quiet Niles district, the restaurant is quite a find. Niles isn't tops on my list for dining, and there are few restaurants like this in the Fremont area. It's my new favorite place in this area now that Pearl's Cafe closed awhile back. We need more places like this over here! My only guess is to blame it on the people that choose the Olive Gardens and PF Changs over unique places!

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

 

2

9

Carol P.

Fremont, CA

We went to the monthly vintner's dinner and had a great time. Started with a blackened scallop and strawberry ceviche with a lovely Dashe reisling, moved on to tomato gazpacho, then a scrumptious salmon with a pistachio nut crust over brie mashed potatoes. A goat cheese and peach tart finished the evening.

All in all the food was deliscious, the wine nearly perfect, and ambience was cheerful, lively and very relaxing. We will absolutely be back for more.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Elite '08

28

124

Willis W.

Fremont, CA

Move over, sheriff, there's a new chef in town!

This little cafe is a really quaint, high quality spot for dinner.  We plan to come back often.  It has all the elements for greatness, uncliding a location in the unique Niles district of Fremont.  

As Mark P. reviewed, the wine list is very reasonable for some unique labels.  I had a glass of "3 Blind Moose"  and although the per glass wine cost seemed more than the per bottle cost, they actually poured us some hefty portions.  My wife and I were more than our usual tipsy after just one of their "glasses" - so that was fun.

Ambience was outstanding  decor was elegant and comfortable.  (I should have taken pictures because I don't think the picture here does it justice). Further into the evening, the room got dimmer and candles came out.  That was nice.  The crowd was also fun and jovial, but the space was not noisy.  You could hear the light music over the speakers.

Service was super down-to-earth, friendly and unpretentious.  The food was prepared with care, with thought to co-mingling of flavors, and artful presentation.  I had the Filet Mignon with Sweet potato Croquettes and sauteed baby spinach.  It was grilled to perfection, and the portions were quite large. This is comfort food, but presented in modern, fine dining style. The prices  were more than reasonable for the portions and quality.  My dish was $22.  My wife had grilled chicken with assorted roasted tubers.  It was a huge butterflied chicken breast, and I think that was $17 or less.

I think the best part of this cafe is the genuine down-to-earth feel I get here.  Decor is comfortable yet elegant , but dress is casual, attitude is friendly, food is outstanding, and portions/prices are reasonable.  I think we have a winner.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

 

1

7

Alisa B.

Pleasanton, CA

I had heard that this little cafe was good, but wasn't expecting a lot.  After all, Niles or not, Fremont isn't exactly known to be the land of great dining.

My apologies to the chef for underestimating the place.

The Sunday night fixed price Market Dinner was wonderful.  It's a small menu on those nights, and yet the selections all sounded so good that I had a hard time deciding what to get.

It's a small cafe -- reserve a table, because the place was full by 6:00 on a Sunday -- with great energy and live music (classical guitar) the night we went.  On warmer nights, the back patio probably doubles the amount of available seating (they do have heaters) and great atmosphere.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

 

1

15

Norman B.

San Francisco, CA

Live music Thursday, Friday and Saturday. There is nothing better in the East Bay for a night out. Fantastic food, good music and a wide verity of fine wines!

Good and getting better by the month! Fresh organic meats and veggies grace every meal. The staff bends over backwards to make changes to meet your needs and offers recommendations when asked.

Great place to try new local wines without breaking the bank. A very, very good bottle of wine is marked up but not like most restaurants.

Not to miss is their Sunday night farmer's market dinners which is a fixed price 3 course meal with wine tasting and is a down right bargain.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Elite '08

8

107

Marja M.

Fremont, CA

I put three dollar signs for the dinnertime price range, but it really was the low end of the "spendy" category. And, I'll tell you why I think I just had one of the best deals ever!

Every Sunday night, this charming little restaurant in historic Niles offers a prix fixe dinner called "Farmers Market Dinner." $30 per person with wine, $23 without wine. These are full-sized meals, and not little taster sampler versions (I recited the menu to a friend of mine, asking her what she would expect to pay for a meal of this scope. She thought I paid $45!).

The offerings vary weekly and reservations are heartily recommended. Annie, the executive chef, goes shopping every Sunday morning at the Irvington Farmers Market, and then cooks up what she buys. All the veggies are extremely fresh. For first and second courses, plus dessert, a choice is made by the diner, and then each course is paired with a specific wine. The dessert wine is the same, no matter the selection. Oh, and I got a basket with a lovely, large roll and some herbed butter. I turned down additional offers of bread, but a slice of it, plus the butter, appeared in my take-out container along with my leftover meal. Nice touch!

I went without wine, and here are my selections from last night.

For the first course, I had a salad comprised of field greens, organic central coast strawberries, maytag blue cheese and a pomelo oro balsamic vinaigrette. The ingredients were great but I gagged several times on the vinaigrette. It was just too vinegary for me!

For the second course I had smoked bacon wrapped filet mignon with gorgonzola scalloped potatoes, organic spinach and a whiskey reduction. The spinach was faboo and I ate all of it! The potatoes were flavorful and perfect. The filet was underdone, especially since I requested medium after a discussion with my waitress, but the meat was tender and flavorful (and the leftovers, I knew, would cook itself to the proper doneness). I'm hoping she accidentally wrote medium rare on the ticket.

For dessert? I ordered the pecan chocolate torte and it was perfection. Nuff said.

General comments: clean and cute bathroom. Fun decor overall, bringing in the historic film center that IS Niles! Service was friendly and casual, and the chef came out to chat with diners as the restaurant was winding down at closing. I decided to bring my mom back here for Mother's Day. We'll see how maneuvering a wheelchair works in this small venue, but I've given warning and I hope for the best!

Bill: for prix fixe dinner, 1 soda, tax and tip: $31.00.

Can't wait to go back!

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

 

0

45

Paul T.

San Ramon, CA

Very enjoyable dinner. Slow, but super friendly service. My wife and I arrived as the first customers just after 5:00 and left at 7:30. It looked like they were understaffed for the friendly service they want to offer.

The meals came with good sized portions. The lamb shanks were on the "lamby" side, but very delicious. The soups were rich and full. And the deserts tasted as good as they looked.

A couple of things were "interesting", but not so tasty. The water is flavored with cucumbers, with a very subtle flavor, instead of the tang of water with lemon. The salmon stuffed with crab over flavored mashed potatoes and a fruit reduction--individually the parts tasted  good, but combined in my mouth, not so good.

Combined with a movie at the Silent Museum, it was a very nice time in Niles.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

 

0

2

Barbara M.

Fremont, CA

My husband and I started going to Essanay when it first opened for dinner (with  only 2 entree choices). I am happy to say that over the past year they have blossomed into a full menu restaurant with awesome food!

Being that we live in Niles, we have been hoping for something good to happen on a local level and Essanay Cafe answered our prayers!

We love that we can drive less than 5 minutes and have a wonderful dinner as previously we would travel to Pleasanton. We have brought many friends here and will bring many more.

Keep up the good work! It is much appreciated!

The next step is to keep the local shops open longer as well!!!!

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

 

0

14

Betty W.

Fremont, CA

Ok, I'm updating the review which I left a few months back (below) where I gave it 4 stars.  

We returned to Essanay Cafe for a weekday lunch.  It wasn't that busy, but it took a long time for our food to arrive.  I received the "hot sandwich" that I ordered, but it was cold and I had to send it back.  They didn't prepare me a new sandwich, just threw my cold one in the toaster and gave it back to me.  Unappetizing to say the least.  

My friend ordered a steak cooked medium.  The waiter brought her a steak SANDWICH cooked medium rare (more rare).  When he gave it to her he said "I know this isn't what you ordered, but is it ok?"  She said no and asked for the steak - medium - that she ordered in the first place.  She had to wait again while they cooked her a steak MEDIUM RARE!!!.  She was so hungry at this point she just ate it anyway.  

My "hot" chicken sandwich had less than a half of a breast in it, but cost $9.  Ouch!  I don't think I'll go back again.  The only good thing about the meal was the sweet potato fries.

(Previous review)
I am so pleasantly surprised to see a quality restaurant open in Fremont, let alone the Niles district.  

Hubby and I went here on a warm Friday night.  We got there somewhat early and were able to sit outside.  The decor is simple yet elegant.  The waitress that served us was very friendly and down to earth.  The menu had a good selection of items.  I had the special, which was spinach and mozzarella filled raviolis in a roasted red pepper cream sauce.  The roasted purple turnips added color and interest to the plate.  The meal was pretty good although ricotta cheese would have been much better than mozzarella inside the ravs.  My hubby had the bacon wrapped steak.  It came with a small salad served on the same plate and a wild mushroom filled pastry.  He said it was pretty good as well.  

We look forward to dining here again.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

 

0

2

Marcus K.

Fremont, CA

Went here with my wife and friends.  I ordered a tuna steak dish.  My wife had the steak.  One friend had the wild boar baby back ribs.
My tuna was fine for the most part, but there was a strange chewy section on one edge.  Avoiding that part, it was ok.  I tried my wife's steak and one of my friend's baby back ribs, and those were very good.  I wish I had ordered one of those.
The place is a nice cozy little restaurant.  It's quiet and you can have a comfortable conversation.  The chef comes out and greets you after the meal which is a nice touch.  They had a nice ice cream/mousse/chocolate dessert which was a fine ending to the dinner.
I would give this place 3 stars if I based it on ambience, dessert, and the tuna, but having tried and enjoyed the other entrees, I think this place warrants a better score.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

 

7

55

Steve N.

Fremont, CA

I had a breakfast here about 6 months ago.  It was slightly better than average for breakfast.  What sticks out in my mind is that the owner seemed a bit uptight and made us switch tables because the way we were sitting was a "fire hazard".  This is after their own hostess seated us that way.  

The place had just opened when we tried it, and I understand they now serve dinners (and that the dinners are real good).  I'll be back to give it another try.  I like to see places like this in Niles..as Fremont so desperately needs a "downtown" type area.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Elite '08

77

704

shannon l.

Fremont, CA

Mediocre is how I would describe this place.  The decor outside is surprisingly modern considering that it's located amidst a gazillion antique shops in an old part of town.

For lunch, I had the Crab Cake Melt: Essanay Crab Cakes, Sweet Pepper Aioli, Tomatoes, Field Greens and Swiss Cheese on Southern Po' Boy Bread ($9.95) with a side of sweet potato fries.

The waitress was a little weird (talks real slow like a hippie) but friendly.  I was really hesitant about ordering the crab cake melt because I thought that the crab cakes would turn out too compacted and hard to eat.  But the exact opposite happened.  It was very crumbly and crab cake kept falling out.  If you smash the sandwich down a little, you can keep it in.  Otherwise you can eat the separated bits by itself BUT if you do so, it is actually too salty.  Therefore, you need to eat it IN the sandwich.

The best part of this sandwich was the sweet pepper aioli.  After eating half the sandwich, I took out all the crab cake and just had the rest of the sandwich as is (bread, sauce, tomatoes & greens) which was actually pretty good.  The sweet potato fries were very cold, soggy and all clumped together.  I had some of my friend's seasoned fries which are ten times better - they have a very strong garlic taste.

I probably won't be coming back.   The fancy descriptions of the food on the menu deceives you into thinking it is in fact "excellent eclectic dining" but it's far from it!

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

 

63

581

Rob M.

San Mateo, CA

Ehhhh ....

I don't want to bag on a new business too badly but for crying out loud this place was bad.  Now it was unfortunate they didn't have alcohol (but they don't have the permit yet so that's not their fault) since that might've covered up the taste of the food a bit.  Not that there was much food since there were only 5 entrees available.  But anything would've been better than the steak they made me that was liberally coated in peppercorn since it seemed to lack flavor on it's own.  Meat should have flavor.  That's why I ordered it rare and then when the waitress made a snotty face I ordered it "medium rare."  She then proceeded to tell me if I got sick to not come back and blame them (!!!) and walked off.  Excuse me?  WTF is with that?  Still, we were there with my parents and it was their Anniversary so I stayed calm.  Once I got it and scraped off the nodules of peppercorn I found the outer portion of the steak cooked until it had basically become suitcase leather and found the interior pinker then you should find a rare steak.  Why I didn't throw up I do not know.

Another word to the staff, serve some bread with dinner.  It's not a big deal and doesn't have to be fancy bread but at least bring some out in a basket.  It's not a big deal but you know it gets noticed when you don't do it at all.  And oh yeah, a side dish of vegetables is perfectly acceptable with an entree.  But when all it consists of is beats and carrots stained through and through with beat juice then you have a problem.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

 

0

2

Linda M.

Fremont, CA

i will start with the only thing that was bad: the coffee

i had dinner... it was unbelieveable. SO good. i had the lambchops, a friend had the catfish.

it was ALL good.
the service was fun and friendly too.

great for small groups. not big ones... small intimate cafe...

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

 

1

15

Amy Y.

Hayward, CA

A nice experience and right close to home! After reading the reviews we were a bit leery about trying the Essanay but...not to worry the most recent good review was the accurate one! After our warm lovely bread, I had the bone in pork and yummmm so tender and what a nice combo with the sweet "fries". My daughter had the vegetarian special which was a spinach and mozzarella ravioli...marvelous! We will definitely be going back to try the other dishes. What a joy to have a new good restaurant in Niles! I hope this brings Niles more business and yes....more new restaurants!
UPDATE:
we've since been back for dinner three times and once for breakfast and lunch and have waddled away with a satisfied smile each time!

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

 

0

2

Sarada O.

San Mateo, CA

My boyfriend and I recently had breakfast here (then rode the train to Soquel) and it was a great experience.  I sensed that they might be working out some kinks, as it was a bit of a wait on our meal.. but once our food came it was very good.  I had the french toast.. yum!

We're having dinner there for Valentines.. I'm hopeful it will be just as good.

Overall, a wonderful cafe.. especially for the reasonable prices.

And I think we were waited on by the actual Chef, so service was excellent.

Make a day of it, breakfast or lunch.. train ride.. atique-ing.. walk in the park.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review