Brent "SmokeJumper" H.'s Profile

Used to love this place for lunch when I first moved to Silicon Valley. After not being there for years, went for dinner on a Saturday night. Despite being empty, service (except for Francisco at bar) was absent and food and (surprisingly) beer were mediocre. Place has a quality, service, marketing and location issue sadly.

Thrilled to get a weekend in my birthplace and hometown of Vancouver, BC without kids, family or responsibility.  Had been wanting to try Salt for some time.  It didn't disappoint.  Love the concept - mix of local and international meat, cheeses and wine.

Loved having knowledgeable and passionate servers - such a rarity.  I put my dining and wine drinking in the hands of our server.  Didn't go wrong - he pulled together an impromptu wine flight of all BC wines (something we don't get in CA) and local meats, cheeses and fruit.

If you are willing to take a little urban adventure into a sketchy neighborhood when in Vancouver, you will be rewarded with drinking and eating bliss!

Stopped by for a drink and couple of small plates after an early movie in Palo Alto.  The space is cool, inviting and interesting.  Sat at the bar.  Friendly service.  Was able to sip on some wine before deciding what to order (nice touch).  The wine list is adequate - though not super interesting or unique.  Will try the cocktails next time.

Food was very yummy - ahi tuna tartare served on quacamole with vegetable chips; and croquetas with jalapeno fondue dipping sauce.  Can't comment on the large plates or what dinner is like.  But we will come back to try it.

Update:  Ok, it took 3 times, but I finally got to experience the Wine Room (as they actually kept their published hours)  Previously I attempted to visit the Wine Room twice now.  Both times during its published open hours on Yelp.  Both times I went out of my way to stop by.  Both times it has been closed.  

Here's my breakdown:
5-star for the space and environment.  Very cool place to chill with friends or cozy up with a loved one.  Hard to believe this building was once an ice cream shop!
3-stars for the wine list.  Nothing remarkable and for the prices, I would expect the wine to be served at the right temperature - whites were incredibly chilled.  Couldn't smell or taste much of anything until they warmed up.
3-stars for the service.  Casual but not particularly welcoming or attentive.

Given the location and the environment, I do recommend this place.  But you can find better wine menus and service elsewhere.

A vegetarian's worst nightmare.  Recently had a combination anniversary and birthday dinner here.  Had hoped for a quiet, romantic table but on this Sunday evening, they had 3 separate parties.  Setting and ambience is warm and lively.

Full disclosure, one of my closest friends is Brazilian and I've experienced real rodizio in Brazil.  If I hadn't, this would be a 5-star establishment.  Side bar is fresh and relatively authentic - couldn't resist rice and beans and hearts of palm salad.  The sight of meet on skewers served at your table is engaging.  Meat was good, albeit some of the dishes were a little over-seasoned.

Service was warm and attentive but don't expect tremendous wine knowledge (although the wine steward wasn't on the night we were there).  Also don't expect to hear much Portuguese spoken.

That said, anyone who hasn't been to Brazil or is looking for a decent cairpirinha (sp?), this is a good spot for a little Americanized slice of Brazil.

Yummy home-style Turkish food.  Love the spreads - could make a meal out of the appeitizers.  The red pepper, walnut & garlic paste (don't recall it's official Turkish name) is wonderful.  Beer and coffee complete the meal here.  Definitely go back regularly or take to go.

Love the architecture, layout, location and inclusiveness for all citizens of RWC.  Children's area is wonderful and they seem to have good computer labs.

So why the 2-stars?  The decorum of the patrons at the library is abysmal .  I have yet to frequent this library where I wasn't disturbed at least once (usually multiple times) by full on and loud cell phone usage, conversations at full volume, people literally running around.  If you need to concentrate when reading, working or studying, bring headphones and be prepared to play your music loud or find somewhere else to go.  Many Starbuck's are quieter.

Where are the librarians that "shhhhh" people?  Never thought I'd long for them.

Just experienced a much too early tee time on Sat morning.  Good news was no traffic on the course.  Spectacular May day in SF.  Stunning setting.  Fairways in good shape - not a single bad lie.  Some collected water in traps.  Greens were generally solid although a little inconsistent.  Thankfully little wind as this course plays tough when breezy.  Yes, it's pricey but come one it's in the middle of the most beautiful city in the US.

Enjoyed a nice brunch (at 11am) complete with beer and bloody mary's (never too early) after finishing 18 - not a bad way to start a Saturday.

Start early.  Enjoy the brisk SF morning.  Watch the sun rise.  Beat the crowds and slow play.  Inhale.  Be grateful you're playing golf here than some crap muni course with no scenery, interest or challenge.

Great for grab n go lunch.  Quick and easy.  Nice selection of sandwiches.  Very fresh and tastes like homemade.  Will go back again when in town.  Refreshing change of pace from Quizno's and Subway.

I've stayed at many W hotels (NY, Chicago, SF) over the years and this is the best of the bunch.  I understand they have recently completed a $10M reno - dunno if that's true.  The building looks like nothing from the outside, but inside is cool and interesting.  The staff is friendly without pretense.  Very helpful.  Rooms are very good - ranging from comfortable to very large and well appointed.  I got an upgrade to the penthouse the first time I stayed there (used to be Starwood Gold).  The room amenities are excellent - two flat screen tv's (perfect for watching NHL and NBA playoffs simultaneously!)

Haven't checked out the bar or restaurant scene or pool but will.  Like the workout gym.  It's not huge but is nicely appointed with decent equipment, towels, headphones, water, fruit, etc.  

Only "minor" pet peeve is that the person who tried to brand everything right down to towels and note pads (e.g. extra toilet paper roll in fabric sack is called "back-up plan") went a little overboard . . . .

Best part of this W is I can walk to my client's office - that's right, I'm in LA with no car and walking to get around.  How very strange?