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Review votes:
8 Useful, 1 Funny, and 6 Cool
Location
Berkeley, CA
Yelping SinceJune 2007
Find Me InBerkeley, CA
My HometownMadison, SD
My Blog Or Website
Date
3235 Mission St
San Francisco, CA 94110
(415) 643-6848
San Francisco, CA 94110
(415) 643-6848
Socha Café
Categories: American (New), Coffee & Tea, Sandwiches
Neighborhood: Bernal Heights
I discovered this cafe when an acquaintance of mine scheduled a Sunday afternoon meeting here. Not wanting to be late, and in need of a bite to eat, I arrived a half hour beforehand.
There was plenty of seating, which came as a bit of a surprise given that the atmosphere was so relaxing. I guess everyone was out enjoying the beautiful weather in the city. I, however, made myself comfortable with a book, coffee, and a mixed green salad with pine nuts, Fontina cheese, and raspberry vinaigrette.
The salad was a perfect light afternoon meal, and the meeting went well. I'll be back here to relax and enjoy the cafe setting, as I read a book or work online.
There was plenty of seating, which came as a bit of a surprise given that the atmosphere was so relaxing. I guess everyone was out enjoying the beautiful weather in the city. I, however, made myself comfortable with a book, coffee, and a mixed green salad with pine nuts, Fontina cheese, and raspberry vinaigrette.
The salad was a perfect light afternoon meal, and the meeting went well. I'll be back here to relax and enjoy the cafe setting, as I read a book or work online.
1517 Shattuck Ave
Berkeley, CA 94709
(510) 548-5525
Berkeley, CA 94709
(510) 548-5525
Chez Panisse
Category: American (New)
Neighborhoods: North Berkeley, Gourmet Ghetto
This restaurant ranks among the top in the world, as reviewed by respected professionals. Being a lowly amateur on Yelp, there is not much I can add to this restaurant's legacy, other than to say its reputation is deserved and my experience dining here was wonderful.
From a menu that changes daily, I had grilled James Ranch lamb leg. The lamb was thinly cut, tenderly cooked, and served over shellbean gratin, chard, and pounded savory. My friend ordered Alaskan coho salmon with corn, zucchini, crème fraîche, and green coriander. Both of these were "melt-in-your-mouth" perfect.
Our main course was preceded by escarole with Devil's Gulch Ranch rabbit, pickled onions, mustard vinaigrette, and tarragon for me and chickpea soup with rosemary for my companion. Desert was a shared bittersweet chocolate pavé with caramel cream. And, of course, a bottle of wine was enjoyed throughout each course.
Everything here is first rate, which makes it great for special occasions.
From a menu that changes daily, I had grilled James Ranch lamb leg. The lamb was thinly cut, tenderly cooked, and served over shellbean gratin, chard, and pounded savory. My friend ordered Alaskan coho salmon with corn, zucchini, crème fraîche, and green coriander. Both of these were "melt-in-your-mouth" perfect.
Our main course was preceded by escarole with Devil's Gulch Ranch rabbit, pickled onions, mustard vinaigrette, and tarragon for me and chickpea soup with rosemary for my companion. Desert was a shared bittersweet chocolate pavé with caramel cream. And, of course, a bottle of wine was enjoyed throughout each course.
Everything here is first rate, which makes it great for special occasions.
In my opinion, Indian restaurants, like bars, gain status as they lose elegance. Mehak is no exception, as the term "dive" can be applied to it without hesitation. As I heard one person put it, Mehak is "a sleeper."
Don't let the exterior (or interior) scare you away, because the food inside is tasty. The vegetable pakora makes for a great appetizer. Be warned, though, the fritters are a bit spicy. My friend ordered the lamb korma while I, craving spinach, ordered the saag paneer. The accompanying naan they serve here is terrific, so I recommend that over rice. And of course, no Indian meal is complete without a mango lassi to drink.
Don't let the exterior (or interior) scare you away, because the food inside is tasty. The vegetable pakora makes for a great appetizer. Be warned, though, the fritters are a bit spicy. My friend ordered the lamb korma while I, craving spinach, ordered the saag paneer. The accompanying naan they serve here is terrific, so I recommend that over rice. And of course, no Indian meal is complete without a mango lassi to drink.
5478 College Ave
Oakland, CA 94618
(510) 655-6469
Oakland, CA 94618
(510) 655-6469
A Cote
Categories: French, Greek, Mediterranean
Neighborhood: North Oakland
À Côté is the perfect place to go for a late-night dinner. While most places around it may be emptying out, À Côté still has a lively crowd. The atmosphere is cozy, complete with rustic tables, low lighting, and a heated patio.
The Mediterranean-style dishes on the tapas menu rotate daily, and every plate I've sampled has been delicious. A French influence also shows through, as the menu includes an ample selection of wines and fromages.
The Mediterranean-style dishes on the tapas menu rotate daily, and every plate I've sampled has been delicious. A French influence also shows through, as the menu includes an ample selection of wines and fromages.
Bucci's is right across the street from the office I work in, so I frequent this place for lunch and the occasional afternoon espresso break.
All the pizzas here are fantastic. A friend and I usually split a large pizza, rotating our selection to maintain variety. Because they are all good, I can't recommend any one over the others. Pick whatever sounds interesting, and you won't be disappointed.
Another classic, and the cheapest item on the lunch menu, is the Pasta della Casa. It's a simple spaghetti with tomato sauce, but it is delicious, and vegetarian.
The prices are reasonable. A typical lunch might be a few dollars more that usual, but the quality of the food makes it worthwhile.
All the pizzas here are fantastic. A friend and I usually split a large pizza, rotating our selection to maintain variety. Because they are all good, I can't recommend any one over the others. Pick whatever sounds interesting, and you won't be disappointed.
Another classic, and the cheapest item on the lunch menu, is the Pasta della Casa. It's a simple spaghetti with tomato sauce, but it is delicious, and vegetarian.
The prices are reasonable. A typical lunch might be a few dollars more that usual, but the quality of the food makes it worthwhile.
This little cafe is just down the street from my office, which makes it an ideal spot to grab lunch. My usual is the Panino Con Pollo, a grilled chicken breast sandwich with sauteed spinach. The other items that I've had from the panini menu have all been good, but I keep coming back for that one.
The portions are small, so I wouldn't recommend coming here if you're on an empty stomach. If your looking for a light lunch, however, this place is ideal, especially if you work in Emeryville.
The indoor seating is limited, and consists entirely of tables for two. There is outdoor seating, with tables for four if you are part of a larger group. The cafe celebrated its grand opening in the spring, so the seating will be constrained once the rainy season begins. I'd recommend coming during off-hours, if you want to avoid the crowd.
The portions are small, so I wouldn't recommend coming here if you're on an empty stomach. If your looking for a light lunch, however, this place is ideal, especially if you work in Emeryville.
The indoor seating is limited, and consists entirely of tables for two. There is outdoor seating, with tables for four if you are part of a larger group. The cafe celebrated its grand opening in the spring, so the seating will be constrained once the rainy season begins. I'd recommend coming during off-hours, if you want to avoid the crowd.
4701 Telegraph Ave
Oakland, CA 94609
(510) 658-9040
Oakland, CA 94609
(510) 658-9040
Pyung Chang Tofu House
Category: Korean
Neighborhoods: Temescal, North Oakland
A friend introduced me to this place, and I'm glad he did. I'm certain I'll be back for more.
The price is very reasonable, about $10 for a hot bowl of soon tofu soup, complete with a bowl of rice, which is nice and crispy where the rice meets the side of the bowl (perfect for soaking in the soup). The soup is filled with soft tofu and your choice of vegetables, seafood, or beef.
All meals are also accompanied by an array of appetizers, known in Korean as banchan.
The price is very reasonable, about $10 for a hot bowl of soon tofu soup, complete with a bowl of rice, which is nice and crispy where the rice meets the side of the bowl (perfect for soaking in the soup). The soup is filled with soft tofu and your choice of vegetables, seafood, or beef.
All meals are also accompanied by an array of appetizers, known in Korean as banchan.
1398 Haight St
San Francisco, CA 94117
(415) 864-7468
San Francisco, CA 94117
(415) 864-7468
Magnolia Pub & Brewery
Categories: Pubs, Breweries, Breakfast & Brunch
Neighborhood: Haight-Ashbury
I'm giving this place a rating of three stars for now, based solely on service, though I'd be tempted to raise it to four after a return visit.
When we arrived, we placed our name on the waiting list and proceeded to the bar for a drink. However, when a table became available, the staff did not inform our party, all of whom were patiently waiting at the bar. Eventually we were seated, but a few groups managed to proceed us in the interim.
I had the beer sausage with horseradish potatoes and house-cut fries on the side. My original choice of sausage and one of my sides were not available, but I was only informed of this as the waitress was taking our order, not as I was looking over the menu to make my decision.
However, I don't want to come across too negative, because the food was excellent. The beer, both the Cole Porter and Stout of Circumstance, was also great.
Though I hadn't previously been inside, the interior has apparently been redone. I'm a fan of the new style. The dark wood accompanied by red and gold accents is classy.
When we arrived, we placed our name on the waiting list and proceeded to the bar for a drink. However, when a table became available, the staff did not inform our party, all of whom were patiently waiting at the bar. Eventually we were seated, but a few groups managed to proceed us in the interim.
I had the beer sausage with horseradish potatoes and house-cut fries on the side. My original choice of sausage and one of my sides were not available, but I was only informed of this as the waitress was taking our order, not as I was looking over the menu to make my decision.
However, I don't want to come across too negative, because the food was excellent. The beer, both the Cole Porter and Stout of Circumstance, was also great.
Though I hadn't previously been inside, the interior has apparently been redone. I'm a fan of the new style. The dark wood accompanied by red and gold accents is classy.
1240 9th Ave
San Francisco, CA 94122
(415) 665-9912
San Francisco, CA 94122
(415) 665-9912
Park Chow
Categories: American (Traditional), Breakfast & Brunch
Neighborhood: Inner Sunset
We ducked in here to get out of the cold on a dreary Sunday afternoon, to relax with drinks and snacks. The upstairs patio provides ample seating, and is kept covered and well-heated.
Sticking solely to appetizers, I had the wontons, which were delicious. The full menu looked good and has a nice variety of choices.
Sticking solely to appetizers, I had the wontons, which were delicious. The full menu looked good and has a nice variety of choices.
On Monday, a few of us set out to discover Cabucci's, and I'm glad we did. The food is excellent, and you get eat while relaxing in the building's atrium, complete with trees and tables made to look like stone.
I had the egg salad sandwich and house-roasted potatoes along with fresh squeezed orange juice, all of which were delicious. I'd go back and order the sandwich again, but unfortunately it was from their daily menu and may not be available all the time. But that provides a good excuse to try the other selections they offer.