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"Beer is proof that someone up there wants us to be happy."
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2019 Useful, 1256 Funny, and 1865 Cool
Redwood City, CA
Yelping SinceOctober 2007
Things I Lovesnow domes, hiking, Lagunitas IPA, The Daily Show, science fiction, Boodles British Gin, Indian Food, trees, good falafel, rhubarb pie, thai food, Camping, beer
Find Me InSunnyvale (working) or Redwood City (other)
My HometownTucson, AZ
When I'm Not Yelping...Listening to music, cooking, planting trees, reading, or that thing called work
Why You Should Read My ReviewsI don't think everything is above average...like most places on Yelp are
My Second Favorite Website The Last Great Book I ReadA Study in Scarlet
My First ConcertGenesis - Abacab Tour (I think)
My Favorite MovieMiller's Crossing; The Usual Suspects; Bladerunner
My Last Meal On EarthFesenjan
Don't Tell Anyone Else But...I sometimes drive a minivan....and I kinda like it.
Most Recent Discoveryamba sauce
Current CrushNeko Case
DateRedwood City, CA 94063
(650) 366-4366
Martins West Pub
Categories: Pubs, British, Gastropubs
3 Previous Reviews: Hide »
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7/14/2009
As other reviewers have already noted, Martins West is no longer under "prohibition" and the beer, wine, and spirits are flowing freely now. I came here with a group of friends on a recent Thursday evening to see for myself.
The beer list is extensive, including selections from both the West coast and the British Isles. (The only odd beer out is Pabst Blue Ribbon -?? - someone's got a sense of humor). And who can resist those Scottish beers with names like: "Twisted Thistle," "Kilt Lifter Scotch Ale," and "Old Engine Oil." ?? However, since I prefer tap beer I stuck with that for the evening (a farmhouse ale and a Guinness). But I look forward to coming back to try some of the interesting bottled options.
Unfortunately cask-conditioned ale is still not available, but the owners say they are working on getting some from a brewery near Santa Cruz.
The seasonal cocktail list is also very intriguing. There's at least one, the "Rhubarb Mojito" that's got my name all over it.
I did not get a chance to try any more of the food since our group was only there for drinks, and I didn't want to be the odd person out. Unfortunately after too little sleep and a negligible dinner, I was not in the best shape for a night out. After two pints I was definitely done-in and ready for bed.
My mission, should I choose to accept it, is to try out more of the menu. That, and to get more sleep. -
5/7/2009
Martins West Pub is open for business!
As luck would have it, I had some evening time off and was able to stop in for a light dinner on their opening night. The space is absolutely beautiful, comprising the lower story of the restored Alhambra theatre building, a former bar where Wyatt Earp was known to toss back a few. (They have a photo on the bar). The original brick walls are still there, plus the original wood columns. In the front, they've added a bar constructed from antique, reclaimed wood. I especially like the old-fashioned Edison bulbs hanging above the bar. Really nice touch.
Menu is small but of the sort where you have trouble deciding because it all looks so good - mostly continental cuisine with a Scottish (and even French) influence. I had limited time and wasn't very hungry, so I settled on the fish n' chips from the bar plate menu. Both fish and chips were just right, though the batter shell could've been crispier on the fish.
Staff were super eager/friendly and were happy to explain the menu, the backstory, the decor, whatever.
No liquor license yet, so no beer for Dan, but the owners confirm they will be having cask-conditioned ale (http://en.wikiped...) when the license comes through. I told them I know about 20 guys who are VERY interested in trying that out ASAP. They were happy to hear it.
I'll be counting the days. -
10/15/2008 First to Review
Opening early 2009. No, it's not done yet. Yes, it's still got a ways to go. Yes, I am a rat bastard for writing a review so early. But I've done the consulting of friends-in-the-know, done the walk-by to get the address, peeked in the windows, and done the web searches to get the rest of the story. So I'm posting, thank you very much. Plus I'm very excited about an actual British-inspired Pub opening in Redwood City. I plan to visit Martins West as soon as they open and update my review.
Here's what I know so far:
-- Opening mid 2009 in the historic Alhambra Theater building (built in 1896). The space was gutted by fire in 2001 and has been vacant ever since.
-- There will be a dining area and bar area, each with about 60 seats.
-- The restaurant will be British-inspired Continental Cuisine, but there will probably be a more pedestrian menu in the bar (fish n chips, etc.)
-- Named after Martin Irons, a family friend of one owner who ran a hidden restaurant in the heart of Edinburgh, Scotland with his wife.
-- The bar will have beer on tap and possibly some cask ales. What is cask ale? -- http://en.wikiped...
Thanks to EaterSF and http://tablehoppe... for keeping me up to date.
Mountain View, CA 94041
(650) 964-8888
Fro-Yo Shoppe
Category: Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt
I satisfied my sweet tooth and tummy anyway. They offered eight fro-yo flavors, including only one tart flavor (pomegranate); They also displayed a large variety of toppings, mostly candy and cookies. No mochi, and only a few fruit toppings, some of which looked like they've been sitting out too long.
I went for a medium (7 oz.) pomegranate with a single topping of strawberries. $4 total. Not a bad price. The fro-yo was very tart, creamy and hit the spot, despite a few tiny, icy sections.
So no FTR for me. But at least I can take pride that I have been to one bay area fro-yo place before Fro-Yo Girl, which is in itself an amazing accomplishment ;-)
My opinion changed recently when I bought an HDTV and decided to (finally) go digital. (OK, so I'm a little behind the times).
Long-story-medium: After telling them I wanted to go to digital cable, we haggled, and they finally quoted me a very aggressive price for one year. I decided to take it. I then bought a new Tivo box that would be compatible (but unfortunately not with satellite). I was committed. I called back to hook up the digital service, and after re-haggling with a different person, they eventually quoted me the same low price again. All was well. Then a technician showed up a few days later with the cable card for my Tivo. The result - I had no digital channels, no HD channels, just analog. WTF?
I called Astound and they claimed they had quoted me a price for analog cable, not digital. And this same "misunderstanding" happened on two separate occasions? With two different reps?Those effing, underhanded bastards!! When my wife came home, I asked her to go find me a bag of nails so I could chew them.
So now, after the bait-and-switch, I pay $10 more a month than I was quoted. Not enough to make a huge dent, but I still feel hosed. and I can't find a better deal from anyone else that supports a Tivo box (yet!).
I have only one positive thing to say about Astound. They're not Comcast.
Redwood City, CA 94063
(650) 364-7500
Young's Ice Cream & Candy Bar
Category: Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt
My recent visit was to attend my youngest daughter's soccer end-of-season party. I let both my girls each splurge on ice cream in a cookie cone with sprinkles on top. I had a cup of the pumpkin ice cream (very good).
Besides the large selection of ice cream and candy, I was amazed at the amount of other stuff they have here: funky pens, lip gloss, glasses, cards, stuffed animals, little knick knacks, and a great selection of wind up toys (which the kids couldn't resist). Kudos to the staff for not worrying about the kids wearing out their merchandise.
54 reviews so far and no pictures on Yelp? Fixed!
Here's a quick breakdown:
SERVICE: Stellar. (On one visit my green tea was refilled three times!). And the pink-shirted waitresses are omnipresent and cheery.
SETTING: Like a bustling Japanese diner; can get very busy and loud, especially at high noon on a Thursday or Friday.
FOOD: Large portions with good value; Not the best Japanese food I've had, but respectable in most cases. Unfortunately, they dedicate several pages of the menu to wackadoodle rolls (a.k.a. big ass stupid name rolls)
Meals I've had here:
-- Bento lunch with chicken teriyaki and CA roll: ( $10.95) Small portion of teriyaki but very large roll in the crab salad style. This bento included a terrible gyoza, a large bowl of rice, a very large order of tempura (not a fan to begin with) and salad (fine). Despite the very high price, it seemed like I got my money's worth when I considered all the extras (soup, apps, sides) 3 stars.
-- Sushi Sampler plate: ($11.95): Six large pieces of nigiri sushi plus California roll; Included tuna, fatty tuna, salmon, shrimp, halibut, sea bass. All were tender and tasty, though the fatty tuna didn't look like fatty tuna I'd ever seen, so maybe I mis-heard the waitress. Cal roll was very large and meaty. So much food I couldn't finish. Great value! 4 stars.
-- Oyakodon: Probably worst version I've ever had, with little flavor and gigantic chicken pieces that were much too hard to eat with chopsticks. No sauce to speak of. They offered a spice shaker for sprinkling on top, but this was mostly hot pepper, which I didn't really want. 2 stars.
Despite one dissapointing meal, I still kinda like this place. But I can't quite justify a round-up to 4. Due to it's proximity to work and excellent sushi sampler price, however, I have no doubt I'll be back in the near future.
Mountain View, CA 94043
(650) 960-3178
El Supermercado
Categories: Grocery, Ethnic Food
WOW, maybe the worst burrito I've ever had!!
I was going to give this place a few more tries based on the fact they have 13 kinds of meat (including goat, tongue, barbacoa) but after two disappointing visits, I just don't have the will to go through with it.
Burrito 1 - Barbacoa was WAY too dried out inside. 2.5 stars
Burrito 2 - Carne asada was just awful, with tough meat and little flavor. 2 stars.
The market itself was deserted on both visits. Strangely, half the grocery shelves are empty. The staff seemed surprised to see me. There's no place to eat apart from a cracked stone table out front with no shade. Currently enjoys a 4 star rating on Yelp; If this is above average, I'd hate to see the average!
Dan's Taqueria checklist for El Supermercado:
Food? - bleh
x Prices? - lowest ever?
Portions? - Average
x Light crowds - Definitely
Standout items? - never found one
Chips + salsa included? - No!
Belmont, CA 94002
(650) 596-9000
Shalizaar
Categories: Middle Eastern, Persian/Iranian
Ambiance and setting were elegant and inviting, with a few (decidedly non-Persian) decorations for Halloween. We were made very welcome and seated within a few minutes. Lots of Persian families and groups appeared to be already seated - always a good sign.
I was here for one thing and one thing only - my favorite Persian food: Fesenjan. But per Kathleen M's suggestion, we decided to start with the Tah dig (crispy rice) appetizer. Our waitress mentioned we could get two types of stew on top of the tah dig (including my beloved Fesenjan), and so this changed our game plan: I could sample a few stews (including fesenjan) for an appetizer, and get kabobs for dinner. Since my wife ordered yet another stew, our meal basically became a Persian stew fiesta, plus kabobs
-- Tah Dig with Fesenjan and Gormeh Sabzi (app): This ended up being a little disappointing for a couple of reasons. The fesenjan sauce, though delicious, had *zero* chicken in it; The gormeh sabzi was good but had a hint of strangeness, mostly due to an "off" odor; and the tah dig itself was so tough that it was impossible to cut in some places, even with a knife.
-- Shishlik: (say THAT three times fast - I dare you) Persian rack of lamb cut into five, delicious, tender, succulent pieces; cooked to perfection; served with a stewed tomato and large portion of bicolor basmati rice. Yowza. 5 stars!
-- Gheymeh Bademjan: Split peas and beef stew in a light tomato sauce, with eggplant. Aside from the eggplant part, this was less heavy than both gormeh sabzi and fesenjan, sort of like the "beans and rice"of Persian food, though much better. 4 stars.
In the end, we over-ordered and left bursting at the seams. Good thing there was a Barnes and Noble w/ coffee shop just up the road, so we could stave off food coma until bed time.
Mountain View, CA 94040
(650) 967-4676
Sierra Moreno Mercantile Co
Categories: Nurseries & Gardening, Hardware Stores
Prices are about average, but Sierra gives major discounts (20-30%) to municipal organizations, who are their main customers. We were able to get the discount for our little group by paying the public works dept. of Redwood City, who then bought the equipment for us. In the end we bought over two dozen pruning tools, saws, sheaths and day-glo safety vests. After that 30% discount, we saved a pile of cash.
Curb appeal is not exactly great. It's a big shack with corrugated aluminum siding and rolling doors; no windows. But the interior is organized and neat. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable.
Milpitas, CA 95035
(408) 719-9811
Banana Leaf Restaurant
Categories: Asian Fusion, Singaporean, Malaysian
The Scene: a silicon valley office slave (Dude1) tries to hit up a co-worker (Dude2) for a lunch outing.
Dude1: "Hey, let's go to really popular Singaporean restaurant for lunch, OK? We should head out about 10:45."
Dude2: "Uh...why so early?"
Dude1: "Oh, we have to get there before about 11:15 or we'll be waiting in a long line; And we want to get parking too. Oh yeah, and the traffic into this mall at lunchtime is completely jammed, so we want to beat that. We can go late instead, if you want...around 2 pm should do it."
Dude2: "what the f**k, man? is this like some scary-good food or something?"
Dude1: "Oh, it's really about average, but most people rave about it anyway; It's really the only Singaporean food in the area that people know about. My theory is that it's SO much of a pain to actually eat here that people are determined to say it was worth it, no matter what. You know...nobody likes to admit they made a mistake, or to go against the grain. For instance, almost everyone orders the roti prata, and..."
Dude2: "YUM! I love that killer roti prata at Straits!! Is it like that?"
Dude1: (laughs) "No, no, the stuff from Straits is a thousand times better than this. The roti from Spice Islands is a lot better too. But those places aren't in this neighborhood. Banana Leaf's roti is actually as thin as printer paper, and just about as flavorful. But just dunk it heavily in the sauce and you won't notice. ...Hey, If we get there early enough, maybe we can snag a table outside!"
Dude2: "Nice patio, huh?"
Dude1: (chuckles) "Naaah, we'd be right beside the mall parking lot out front, with cars driving by. We could be right next to the line too, so people may be standing beside us as we eat....Hey?... Dude?...where you going???
Dude2: (leaves the room)
Palo Alto, CA 94306
(650) 321-3234
Palo Alto Baking Company
Categories: Bakeries, Coffee & Tea, Sandwiches
Coffee is self-serve and comes in multiple varieties, including flavored. The Kona blend had definitely cut some corners (bleh), but was overcome by filling my cup the rest of the way with a passable French roast. $1.40 for a medium. Cheap.
I wasn't very hungry but convinced myself I should try the apricot rugelah that was staring me in the face. It was a little too buttery and not apricot-y enough for my taste. (Not nearly as good as the same at "The Grind" in RWC, which I think has some kind of crack in the batter.)
I might go again to try other baked goods; Probably not for coffee.
14 Lists
That was my mood when I finally got around to visiting Martin's West again, but this time in full dinner mode with the wife. Though we had made our usual last minute reservations for a table, we arrived a little early and got very comfortable at the bar. Once our table was ready we asked to stay where we were. No problem.
Still the same great beer selection, but I also noticed their wine list is no slouch either. The wife tried a glass of the owner's family zinfandel and it was phenomenal. They also have some classic cocktails you just don't see anywhere else (e.g. pimms cup; moscow mule).
For food, we wanted to try everything, and two entrees didn't seem like enough variety. So we opted for several apps and small plates instead: vegetable cottage pie, house-made charcuterie, a killer salad (I forget the name). And we couldn't resist "haggis on a stick." (Really, who could?). It was all delicious, and we had a great evening sipping cocktails and enjoying each bite.
To put it in much fewer words, I'll have to quote my wife, who said at one point, "If I was a dog, my back leg would be going nuts right now."