Jennifer C.'s Profile

We went to Bongo Room on a tip from some Chicago natives, who had it on their short list. We must have been really lucky because we showed up at 11:30 AM and got prime seating at the window. I love the space--perhaps because it reminded me of a restaurant I'd find in North Berkeley (which much of Wicker Park reminds me of, actually).

I ordered the lemon ricotta pancakes with brown sugar butter and they were amazing. Seriously, I still think about them now, three weeks after. When they placed the heaping stack with ice cream scoops of butter in front of me, believe me, I did not protest.

My bf ordered a beef medallion sandwich on focaccia with horseradish mayo that was made perfectly. We ended up taking half the sandwich to go and it was still good two days later.

Service was attentive (in spite of how quickly the place filled up) and the coffee was good (Intelligentsia). What more can you really ask for in a brunch place?

First of all, I usually approach "Asian Fusion" places with a bit of precaution. Being Asian and from the Bay Area, I probably have unfairly high standards of Asian cuisine. Now, take me to an Asian Fusion restaurant in the middle of a Midwest suburb and I'm even more dubious.

Well, I just have to say that all my fears were completely unfounded in this case. Dragonfire is pretty darn legit and tasty. As others have mentioned, their scallion pancakes are really good and very authentically Chinese. I could have eaten the whole plate if I wasn't trying to be polite to the other members of my party. We also had the lettuce wraps, Korean BBQ skirt steak (maybe a teeny bit on the saltier side), fried rice, and fried cheesecake rolls (um, seconds, please?). All very well-made in generous portions.

On top of all that, the service was excellent and I'm a huge fan of the decor (high ceilings and modern furnishings). If I lived in the area, I'd definitely stop by often.

My coworkers LOVE this place, so I was surprised that it wasn't on Yelp yet. Perhaps because it's El Jarocho No. 2, and No.1 always overshadows it?

I forgot that everyone raves about their al pastor and ordered the carnitas instead. Probably a mistake. They made my burrito to order, but I think carnitas by nature are not meant to be reheated, so the meat came out a little stringy for my liking. The burrito was also a little messier than I like my food, which I wouldn't normally mind, but that day I was eating at my desk, so salsa everywhere...(okay, I digress).

They also have your normal selection of drinks and chips (horchata, jamaica, jarritos, chile y limon...) and seem to be pretty popular with the locals. All good things.

For me, the main thing going for this place is that it's within throwing distance of my building, but I'll definitely go back to try the al pastor.

There are so many El Grullense's in Redwood City that I had to double triple check this one to make sure it was the one I actually wanted to write about.

This place is delicious! I've had their burritos and tacos and they are really good. There's always seating outside at the counter or in, so you don't have to worry about that.

Just one warning--their food comes out HOT, so make sure you get some napkins to wrap around your burrito, because if not, you're sure to burn something!

Thank you, Main Street Coffee, for being friendly, delicious and within walking distance.

I love coming here in the mornings for a cup of coffee and a slice of humble pie (buttery fruit-filled galette-type pastry), or in the afternoons for a latte and strawberry/rhubarb crisp with yogurt. This has definitely become my go-to coffee place, despite being on the "other side of the tracks" (literally, not figuratively).

Their outdoor patio is just what I need sometimes for a break in the middle of my day. Can't wait to come by and try their lunch items!

p.s. Be sure to get one of their Buy 10 Get One Free cards. Trust me--you'll fill it up quick!

Since our office relocated to Redwood City, I've been looking for a independent coffee place within walking distance that serves good, reliable coffee. I was excited to try The Daily Boost after seeing the rave reviews and finding out that they are fair trade and organic.

After lunch, my coworkers and I stopped by the little kiosk and ordered iced lattes. While our drinks were being made, I decided to talk to the barista to find out more about their beans and where they source them from, thinking he would be proud to tell me about it since they boast about the whole fair trade thing. Imagine my surprise when he politely told me that that was information he could not divulge.

"I can only tell you they're from Africa."

I'm no expert, but I don't think very much from Africa is fair trade...not the most helpful.

I wouldn't have thought much more of the matter if the coffee was as good as everyone says it is, but I'm sorry to report that our lattes tasted a bit like the bottom of a coffee pot.

I might stop by again to try their tea, but for coffee, guess I'll have to keep looking.

Doing an event at the Embassy Suites and needed to get away for a second to grab a cup of coffee.  Wandered into the World Financial Center and made a beeline for Financier.  Glanced at the lunch menu and was going to get the truffled chicken salad sandwich until I saw it lying there in the fridge pre-packaged. Decided to go to the pastries instead. Ordered a latte and a huge chocolate macaroon and waited, feeling very underdressed compared to the other clientele in suits and ties.

Macaroon was alright and the latte was pretty good (definitely better than Starbucks next door), but the fact that this place opens up onto a serene view of the Hudson River with lots of seating sealed the deal for me. Perfect place to just get away for 15 minutes and breathe.

Thanks, Financier.  I needed that dose of sanity today.

My friends and I were driving through Jasper National Park when suppertime rolled around. We were pretty hungry but on a budget so we drove around looking for a place that looked affordable. After a lot of indecision, we ended up at Jasper Pizza Place. There were a decent number of people inside and the prices looked okay. They asked us if we'd like to sit on the upstairs patio or indoors in the main dining area. Feeling adventurous and being promised a great view, we decide to go to the patio.

We sit down in the quickly dimming evening and look over the selection of wood-fire specialty pizzas and the normal thicker-crust kind. We decide on a pound of wings (sounds like a lot, but is only 8), one chicken/corn pizza and another veggie one (olives, bell peppers). While we wait, we notice a server (in a t-shirt about pizza in the style of Fall Out Boy concert tees) stacking up the chairs as if they are planning to close). We feel nervous and ask to be moved downstairs. They are very nice about it and help us relocate.

The wings were on the smaller side, but not bad. The pizzas were decently-sized, but not impressive compared the Californian fare we were used to. Our total came out to be $52 for five people, which was more than expected, but probably less expensive than anything else we could have gotten in the area. The music was good though and the vibe young and energetic.

This place is definitely not a bad find considering its location, but I'd probably have to try the other pizza place down the street if I was back in the area. Shrug.

(This review is guest-written by my friend, eric l. who has a better memory than I do).

We were recommended Shanghai Wonderful by friends who celebrated their paper anniversary with a trip to the Pacific Northwest and a meal here. Overall, a solid recommendation, and Shanghai Wonderful definitely gets my approval for well-done Chinese food.

We ordered xiao long bao, steamed vegetables, this sweet fried chicken dish, rice cake stirfry (chao nian gao), and a savory, flaky daikon pastry (luo buo shi bing).

The xiao long bao were a little too large for my liking. I don't necessarily need a mouth full of pork grease to convince me I'm eating a delicious pork dumpling. Flavor was worth going back for, otherwise.

All the dishes we ordered were tasty and not too salty, saucy, or msg'd (and that's basically my criteria for delicious). Clean flavors, well-presented dishes, a welcoming environment. What else do you need but hot tea? Unfortunately, we did not get new tea leaves or hot water frequently enough; still, just a small gripe.

It's been a month since I was in Vancouver, but I am still daydreaming (daily) of the piece of heaven that is the almond croissant at Ganache Patisserie. I don't think I have ever had a better pastry than that. Ever.

This store is adorable and every pastry/cake on display looked delicious. In addition to the croissant, my friends and I tried the Abricot et Earl Grey and this other chocolate ganache thing. Both were very delicate, but did not knock me off my feet the way the croissant did. I expected the apricot dessert to have stronger tea flavor and fresh apricot, but it didn't really have either. The ganache was good but a bit rich (to be expected)--definitely nice to share with friends over coffee.

In conclusion, if I lived in Vancouver, the almond croissant would bring me back every Saturday morning for sure. Love.