Reviews
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4.5 STARS
My former coworker is obsessed with Flour + Water and always raved about it. At the time, my other coworkers and I have never been. So one day, we all ditched work early, packed into my granny car and went...the Avalon where the steering wheel violently shook when I went over 60 mph. I was afraid that the wheel would break off so driving young, fast, and furious was a big nope.
This was yeeeaaaars ago but I still remember the pasta being the highlight of our dinner.
Arguably, Flour + Water is the most popular spot in the city known for their housemade pastas...even before they open, there's usually a line around the block. I heard that their sister restaurant, Central Kitchen was transitioning to Penny Roma serving more rustic, approachable, affordable pasta dishes...ya sold me on more affordable!
Today is Penny Roma's first day of service and there was already a line before they opened their doors.
Reservations available through Resy. If you can't secure one, you can do a walk-in and grab a glass of wine from their Enoteca next door while you wait.
As per SF mandate, proof of vaccination is required and is checked against your ID (reminder sent by text).
M E N U
Rustic Italian with crudos, antipasti, pastas, mains, and veggies: bit.ly/3mMJsvI.
Wine and beer only.
5% SF Mandate and 1% Zero Foot Print added to the bill.
F O O D
* Albacore Tartare w/ early girl tomatoes, caper, calabrian oil, pistachio ($13): bit.ly/308BMfG
My fav of the two crudos, the tartare was fresh with a nice kick of spice and satisfying crunch from the pistachio.
* King Salmon w/ juniper salt, cabbage, sorrel, roe ($12): bit.ly/3mLP4X3
I love raw salmon everything but this one was on the fishy side. The roe is salty on its own so with the juniper salt, it was overkill for me.
* Agnolotti dal Plin w/ beef & pork, sugo d'arrosto, parmigiano reggiano ($22): bit.ly/3v1so90
The small pillows of pasta were perfectly al-dente with a great chew and a deliciously savory and meaty filling. The braised beef and pork was so tender with a rich depth of flavor. Get this!
* Fior di Latte Gelato w/ olive oil, sea salt ($8): bit.ly/3lvmxFN
Good ending to dinner; rich, creamy and milky smooth with a pleasant subtle fruitiness and pop of saltiness.
S E R V I C E
Friendly and enthusiastic.
A M B I A N C E
Rustic yet contemporary. Indoor-outdoor feels with lots of plants, skylights, and a courtyard patio. Open kitchen with a wood-fire station.
Tables were spaced out like pre-pandemic times.
P A R K I N G
Residential street parking only. Give yourself time to look for parking.
Overall, Penny Roma is going to be another hit from the Flour + Water team!Was this review …?
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2675 Ocean Ave
San Francisco, CA 94132
4.5 STARS
Every time I see a cute little piglet, I tell myself "Alright, today IS the day that I'm giving up pork!"
Then, something comes along and CRUSHES it.
This time, it's Lucho's Cochinita Pibil, Yucatán pork roasted in a banana leaf with rich spices and citrus.
Sorry, piglet...saving you will have to wait another day.
I've seen the lines at Lucho's...even on a weekday, and now I know why they're hella popular. This tiny American-Mexican Breakfast & Brunch spot is churning out some delicious Yucatán-style fare WITH fantastic service.
M E N U
* Breakfast: Pancakes, french toast, avocado toast, omelets, benedicts, chilaquiles, etc.
* Lunch: Soup (pozole), empanadas, salads, sandwiches, burgers, etc.
* Weekday specials: Tacos (soft or crispy) and quesadillas.
Beer, mimosas, and micheladas available.
Yesterday, I took the afternoon off I so finally had the chance to check out Lucho's. I came an hour before closing so no line.
Order at the counter, grab a number placard, then seat yourself. Self-serve water. Limited indoor dining (2 tables and counter seating) and cute parklet set-up (7 tables in the parklet and sidewalk).
Dog-friendly. Hand sanitizer available on each table.
Proof of vaccination required for indoor dining. All staff wore masks properly.
Delivery available via 3rd party apps.
F O O D
* 1/2 Order Chilaquiles ($8.50) w/ cochinita pibil ($3.25), avocado ($3): bit.ly/3BoMHQ5
***Requested egg sunny-side up
The housemade tortilla chips were smothered in a savory tomato and chili based sauce topped with the cochinita pibil, sunny-side up egg, a fan of avocados, and finished with a sprinkling of cotija cheese.
Popped the yolk and let all that velvety liquid gold run all over. The cochinita pibil was meltingly tender, flavorful, and richly spiced. You can taste the subtle earthy smokiness and with the bits of fat....delicious! The ripen, buttery avocado added a layer of richness with the duo of salsas (verde and habanero) adding that tangy, fiery heat that I crave.
Def add a protein to the chilaquiles and don't forget about the salsas because they complete the dish.
My only gripe is while the chips on the outer perimeter maintained a decent crunch with the sauce, the others were soggy so this is a dish that you have to eat ASAP. Not a takeout/delivery friendly dish.
I couldn't find a pic on Yelp that specifies the half portion. I'm so glad I ordered conservatively because the 1/2 portion was more than enough for one person. I couldn't even finish it.
S E R V I C E
Friendly, enthusiastic, and prompt. My food arrived in less than 8 minutes.
Even though it's fast-casual/counter service, staff took the time to come out and see how I liked the food. And, Lucho himself was super kind and showed me where the salsas were.
You can see the smile behind the masks.
A M B I A N C E
Cute parklet with spaced out tables, oak barrels, and plants.
P A R K I N G
Easy metered parking. Free residential parking one block past 19th avenue (2 hour limit).
Overall, Lucho's is a great local, neighborhood spot and I'm glad that I finally knocked this off my list. I read that they'll be expanding to San Rafael so Lucho's will be spreading that Yucatán-style love to Marin County soon!Was this review …?
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Comment from Kelly B. of Lucho's
Business Owner -
685 San Antonio Rd
Mountain View, CA 94040
4.5 STARS
When it's hot AF outside and everything is schweaty including your bewbs (ladies, ya know the struggle, and fellas too with down there)....nothing is more BLISSful than a cold drink.
Saw Boba Bliss trending on Yelp. Barely a month open and a solid 5 star rating with nearly 90 reviews. They must be doing something right (and they are!)... it was packed on a Sunday afternoon.
A family-owned and operated boba shop, Boba Bliss serves organic tea and coffee (Stumptown), and uses seasonal fresh fruits. No artificial powders or sweeteners.
M E N U
Organic loose leaf teas (Assam, Oolong, and Jasmine Green Tea), Specialty (Crème Brûlée Latte, Mango Milk, Ube Latte, etc), Matcha, and Coffee Milk Tea.
One size only: $4.75-$6.25. Sweetness levels: Regular or less. Milk alternatives: Oat milk; no charge.
Toppings (60 cents each): Boba, agar boba, grass jelly, lychee jelly, cheese cream ($1)
O N L I N E O R D E R I N G
I don't like waiting in lines so yay for offering online ordering! The system seems a buggy though. When placing my order, the website quoted 20 minutes. I was 20 minutes away so that was perfect.
Within a minute of placing my order, I received a text that my order was ready for pick-up. Picked up my order in 20 minutes but it seems the drink had been sitting. After I picked up my order, I received an email that my order was ready for pick-up. Long story short, it almost seems better to place your order in-person so your drink(s) doesn't get watered down from sitting.
D R I N K S: bit.ly/3msf4qq
* Mango Milk Bar, non-caffeinated, less sweet ($6.25)
The mango milk bar was deliciously milky and smooth with fresh bits of sweet, tart mangos. Tastes EXACTLY as its name. I was afraid of it being overly sweet even at less sweet but it wasn't. It was watered down from the drink sitting but it hit the spot in the 90 degree weather. Fav of the two drinks....I contemplated ordering another one.
* Strawberry Matcha Latte, less sweet ($6.25)
Just as solid as Boba Guys, the sweetness of the strawberries nicely balanced the vegetal bitterness of the matcha with a nice milkyness. Calming caffeine kick.
S E R V I C E
Friendly and upbeat. They remind you to shake/mix your drink before enjoying.
A M B I A N C E
Contemporary and minimalist with banquette seating, gold chrome stools, pillow throws, and a plant wall. There's also some chairs outside for seating.
P A R K I N G
Shared lot in busy San Antonio Square. Easier parking near SAJJ.
Overall, while there's a saturation of boba shops in the Bay Area, Boba Bliss is a great addition to MV (you can taste the quality). That Mango Milk Bar though....GET IT!Was this review …?
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3.5 STARS
Awesome Patio Vibes...CHECK!
Hella spacious and dog-friendly with socially distant tables and string lights. There's even cabanas repurposed from shipping containers and a lounge area with sofas and fire pits.
Great Service...CHECK!
The servers and food runners were werkin' that patio with a smile behind their masks.
Food...Sadly, it missed the mark.
I appreciate that Pacifica Brewery is offering elevated gastropub food but it feels like they're being too extra and overcomplicating some dishes.
Def get to Pacifica Brewery early to avoid the wait (walk-in only). Arrived at 4:25 pm on a Thursday (opens at 4 pm) and the patio was already poppin'. By the time we left, there was a line to be seated.
Plenty of indoor, outdoor, and deck seating. I haven't visited since it was Surf Spot and didn't realize how large the place is.
All staff wore masks properly.
M E N U
Elevated gastropub food. Wanna get bougie with tartare, tarte flambée, or filet mignon? They got you.
Yay for a full bar!
D R I N K S
* Vesper ($12): bit.ly/3oyRsDf
The bartender didn't have lillet to make your usual Vesper so I said, to make it with anything else he recommends. Smooth and stiff; they fill that baby to the rim so it was a great value.
F O O D
* Buffalo Wings w/ stella blue cheese dip, fresno chili hot sauce ($13): bit.ly/3DgykOl
I was looking forward to trying their pok pok wings but they just 86'd so we ordered these. Best dish of the night! The wings were lightly crisp, meaty, and had a great savory heat. The creamy blue cheese dip had a delicious subtle funk. I know they're trying to be fancy with the veggie shavings but they served more as a garnish.
* Japanese Hamachi Tartare w/ avocado purée, Asian pear dressing, tomato gel ($18): bit.ly/3BhYnEm
Not my pick. Sadly, it was mushy and had no taste. The tomato gel didn't elevate the tartare and I didn't understand the random tortilla chips.
* Mussels & Clams w/ coconut curry, wheat ale, kefir lime, grilled sourdough ($18): bit.ly/3uNP8cD
Maybe it was an off batch but the mussels and clam meat were the size of a pinky nail. The broth tasted like coconut milk with a bitter sharpness. Didn't taste the curry spices. Loved the crusty, grilled bread though.
* Fish & Chips w/ lager, tartar sauce ($12): bit.ly/3oAghhZ
How cute that it's served with a baby bottle of vinegar for spritzing?!
I only tried a fish stick - sturdy, crunchy batter but the fish was a tad dry but still decently flaky. Nothing that the creamy, tangy tartar sauce couldn't fix.
* PB Burger w/ beer onions, sharp cheddar, house fries ($18): bit.ly/3uMvQEj
I saw this burger featured on "Check, Please! You Gotta Try this!" so had to order it.
It was plain and underwhelming. The house-grind patty was very underseasoned but cooked rare as requested and nicely crumbled. The beer braised onions were bland. You can tell they use high-quality meat but the pretzel bun overshadowed the patty. Ended up just eating the patty by itself.
Fries were solid - hot, crunchy, and lightly seasoned.
* Brisa de Año Organic Strawberries & Cream w/ vanilla custard, hazelnut streusel ($10): bit.ly/3BgJh1O
This was described to us as a "strawberry shortcake". It was more like a bowl of strawberries a la mode with random things like the marshmallows. There was something thick and curdled underneath the strawberries. Not sure what it was. While it was a light, refreshing end to our meal, the dessert felt disjointed.
S E R V I C E
Our server, Adrianna was friendly, efficient AF, and there when we needed her. Food runners introduced dishes being served which I appreciated. Water glasses never went empty. Dishes were promptly cleared.
Given how busy they are, props to the staff for werkin' that patio!
A M B I A N C E
Despite being busy, it was chill and laid back since the tables are well-spaced out. 60s-90s music playing...from Delfonics to Sade.
Lots of well-behaved dogs that night unlike places like Lazy Dog that gets too loud and chaotic.
The tables in the outer perimeter didn't have shade so it was uncomfortable for the first hour. It was an unusually warm day though. Plenty of overhead space heaters.
P A R K I N G
Huge shared parking lot with Sea Bowl.
Overall, loved the patio vibes and the service. The food wasn't really my jam. Everyone has different tastes though so Pacifica Brewery is something you should try for yourself.Was this review …?
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4.5 STARS
"Best Meat in the CASTRO"?
Well, that's a bold statement.
If you claim to be the "Best", you gotta bring IT, yea?
Well, Hot Johnnie's is def bringing IT because he IS serving up the BEST meat in the Castro.
Though, my opinion may not matter because no schlong in the Castro will look my way so you have to try Hot Johnnie's for yourself!
Unless it's a Bánh mì, I rarely eat sandwiches because I usually find deli meats too salty and I don't like paying for something I can easily make at home.
But, my friend used to work with Johnnie recommended that I try it.
I'm glad I did because that housemade pastrami is something else.
M E N U
* Pastrami Sandwiches ($18-$18.50), Sliders ($13), Salad ($18), Tacos ($12), and Nachos ($16).
Protein style available for sandwiches. Double meat (+5.5 oz) available for $10.
Vegan pastrami available!
* Sides: Chips, Waffle Fries, and Potato Salad ($3-$9)
Beer, mimosas, and merch available.
Order at the counter, grab a number placard, then seat yourself outside in the patio (dog-friendly!). Self-serve ice water available in the patio.
Delivery available via DoorDash.
F O O D
* Acme Pain de Mie w/ smoked pastrami, cheddar cheese, spicy chipotle aioli, house pickles, baby arugula, soft toasted white roll ($18.50): bit.ly/3mv0QVX
***Sub cheddar for havarti
Ok, let's talk MEAT....the warm pastrami was sliced thin, lean, yet very moist. It's beefy and flavorful with a deliciously smoky peppery-ness. Not overly salty. The melty havarti adds a sweet, nutty flavor.
The chipotle aioli packs some good heat, with the pickles and arugula adding some freshness and tang.
The pain di mie got soggy pretty fast so I should of requested extra toasted or went with a sturdier bread like the sourdough or dutch crunch.
* Potato Salad w/ pastrami, spices, garlic, scallion (small-$3)
The potato salad was well-spiced and studded with bits of the tender pastrami. With the heat from the sandwich, this was a nice cooling accompaniment.
S E R V I C E
Friendly and enthusiastic. Johnnie made his rounds outside to check-in with diners.
Sandwich took about 15 minutes on a quiet Monday.
A M B I A N C E
Hip storefront and quaint garden patio with umbrellas for shade and heat lamps for those cold foggy days. There's also string lights for those romantic vibes at night.
P A R K I N G
Difficult street parking more doable during the weekdays. Market street is just a block up so you can hop on/off the street car.
Overall, bomb pastrami, you can tell how much love is put into it. I rarely get the opportunity to get out and enjoy a sit-down weekday lunch so this was such a nice treat.Was this review …?
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4.5 STARS
Food for thought...
Why is it when some people see chicken feet at an AZN restaurant, it's seen as "gross" but when it's showcased in a tasting menu at a break yo wallet Michelin-starred restaurant, it's seen as "creative" and "edgy"?
Not hatin' because I love all types of cuisines but just sayin'.
I know, I know...chicken feet, or any feet for that matter may not look appetizing but that rich, gelatinous goodness is what I crave and it's hella good for your skin.
While Obok is known for their Soondae, Korean blood sausage, their Dakbal, Spicy Chicken Feet is bomb! Bomb enough that I ordered delivery two weeks in a row.
If you like hardcore Korean food, Santa Clara's K-Town is where it's at...
Obok is a humble, hole-in-the-wall that's been open for over a decade but has little reviews (less than 60). I know this isn't mainstream eating but it's sad to see this under the radar gem go relatively unnoticed. Even their competitors JangTu and Moo Bong Ri have far more reviews.
Obok is located in the same plaza as Beque, J Desserts, and Ttobongee. No English sign (next door to Yoko Tea).
They're offering takeout, indoor dining, and delivery through DoorDash. DoorDash prices are 20-25% higher than their in-store menu. Not drinking and driving so I ordered delivery two weeks in a row (same order).
M E N U
Soondae, Korean blood sausage is their specialty and it's available in various forms: plain boiled, soup, and sautéed.
They have less than 40 items on the menu which also includes other soups, stews, and sautéed items like Tofu Soup, Black Goat Stew, Spicy Pork Back Bone Stew, Sautéed Intestines, etc.
No msg is used.
Beer and soju available.
F O O D
* Complimentary Radish Kimchi
First time, it was hella salty. The second time, it was solid - crunchy, tangy, and spicy.
* Maeun Dakbal: Spicy Chicken Feet ($17.50): bit.ly/2WE2ueO
The chicken feet is filled with gelatinous goodness and takes a little bit more effort to eat since it's not as meltingly soft as the Cantonese version. BUT, it allows you to enjoy every bit of that addictive fiery, savory, and sweet sauce. The perfect drinking food.
* Soondae Bokkeum: Stir-fried Blood Sausage ($25.99)
Admittedly, I wasn't the biggest fan of Soondae (bouncy sponge-like texture) until I had it stir-fried and it's been a game changer for me. I find myself craving this dish. The soondae (stuffed w/ sweet potato noodles) is stir-fried with tripe, intestine, sweet potato noodles, jalapeño, cabbage, white onions, garlic, green onions, carrots, zucchini, button mushrooms, and perilla leaves.
Super flavorful, aromatic, and spicy. All the veggies still have a crisp to them and the sweet potato noodles are satisfyingly chewy.
The first time, the minty basil-y herbaceous from the perilla leaves was a bit too much for me. The second time, I didn't even taste any perilla leaves.
They serve purple rice at the restaurant which would have been the perfect accompaniment but there's no option to add rice on DoorDash.
Overall, slight bit of inconsistencies aside, I love Obok's Dakbal and Soondae Bokkeum. If you're getting tired of KBBQ and feeling adventurous, give Obok a try!Was this review …?
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4.5 STARS
Fire Wings may be a chain...
BUT compared to Buffalo Wild Wings, ( * ) ( * )s, and Wingstop...their food is a cut above and pretty fiyah.
Opening this past Monday at The Cupertino Crossroads is Fire Wings, a Sac-based chain specializing in AZN fusion wings.
Fast-casual; order at the counter, grab a number placard, and seat yourself if you're dining in. There's no outdoor seating. Bought drinks next door at Philz so we could use their outdoor seating instead of making a mess in the car.
For takeout, they'll text you when your order is ready so it's super convenient. You can walk around the plaza to kill time.
Delivery available via DoorDash.
M E N U
Chicken type available: Bone-in Wings, Boneless Wings, Tenders, or Beyond Tenders.
Wing flavors:
**Classic: Buffalo, bbq, mango habanero, etc.
**Dry: Lemon pepper, garlic parm, malaysian curry, jamaican curry, etc.
**AZN Fusion: Peking, dragon, korean kick, saigon street, etc.
They also offer salads, fried chicken sandwiches, fries, garlic noodles, tots, mac 'n cheese, etc.
Beer on tap.
F O O D
* 20 pc Bone-In Wings ($22.99)
The wings were hot, crunchy, and meaty. Not heavily battered.
**Jamaican Jerk: Bold and earthy with a slight warming heat. Heavy handed with the dry rub on some parts so it was very salty.
**Dragon: Savory and sweet with a mild heat...similar to soy garlic KFC at K restaurants and like a toned down version of San Tung wings.
**Peanut Butter: If you like chicken satay or pad thai, this will be your jam. While I liked it, I felt like after two pieces, the peanut flavor became monotonous.
The wings include two dipping sauces of your choice. I told the cashier to just choose for me. He choose the sweet chili and sriracha mayo. Both were fine but the wings stood on their own so there was no need for them.
* Large Garlic Noodles ($6.19)
Deliciously garlicky and buttery with the sprinkling of parm tying everything together. The noodles had that satisfying qq chew that I crave.
* Veggie Sticks w/ ranch ($2.29)
Fresh, thick, and crunchy sticks of celery and carrot. A must to balance the fried goodness.
S E R V I C E
Friendly and enthusiastic.
No line when I visited. I received a text when my food was ready for pick-up (20 minutes).
A M B I A N C E
Sports bar feel with flat screen TVs for watching the game. Seating for 50+; mix of low and high tables.
P A R K I N G
Shared parking lot; very busy.
Overall, solid opening week. Wings are expensive these days so for about $1.15 a wing, Fire Wings is serving up some delicious and great value wings. Def worth a visit!Was this review …?
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542 Lighthouse Ave
Pacific Grove, CA 93950
After some pricey and disappointing meals in Carmel, my wallet was crying so I contemplated cancelling my reservation at Jennini Kitchen & Wine Bar.
And...bust out my emergency instant ramen bowl and can of spam.
No shame in trying to save monies.
I even saved a soft boiled egg from my complimentary B&B breakfast for that elevated touch!
But, I couldn't resist THAT sexy hunk of meat I've been eyeing for the past couple of years so I went through with it.
Zero regrets.
In fact, my meal at Jennini Kitchen was the best meal I had all weekend. And, it's the only restaurant I've had a 5 solid star experience in Monterey County. Instead of sticking with Carmel and Monterey, maybe I need to hit up Pacific Grove more.
Jennini Kitchen is open for takeout (no delivery), indoor dining, and outdoor dining. The front patio and parklet is dog-friendly. No umbrellas for shade. Heat lamps available.
At the time I visited, there was no mask mandate in Monterey County and masks were only "recommended" for indoor public spaces. However, all the staff wore masks properly which I appreciated.
I arrived early for my 4:30 pm reservations and staff was diligently sanitizing all the outdoor tables.
M E N U
Contemporary Mediterranean. Fried Chicken Mondays. 24-hour advance order for Paella.
Wine and beer only. No full bar which is a bummer.
F O O D
* Yellowfin Crudo w/ lemon cucumber, red onion, parsley, capers, olive oil, lemon ($19): bit.ly/3ojqTBW
Light and refreshing starter with fresh, thiccc cuts of yellowfin tuna. Simple and done right.
* Chicken Liver Pâté w/ date purée, mustard seeds, chives, bread ($13): bit.ly/3ATfhZV
Deliciously creamy with a nice sweetness from the dates and pop of acid from the mustard seeds. The grilled levain (?) bread was crusty, chewy, and soft. I had to control myself and decline when I was offered more.
* Crispy Lamb Shank w/ garbanzo beans, harissa broth, brown butter, poached radishes, herbs ($36): bit.ly/3oi08xD
This sexy hunk of meat is what I came for...the exterior of the lamb shank had a rich, crackly crunch while the meat was tender and flavorful (reminds me of a much healthier version of crispy pata). The sprinkling of za'atar added a kiss of tangy, herby, nuttiness. The garbanzo beans in smoky harissa broth was warm and comforting.
Hearty, well-balanced, and damn delicious. Highly recommend this dish.
* Eggplant Fries w/ ufra pepper, honey-garlic aioli ($10): bit.ly/3ATfhZV
Crispy on the outside, and soft on the inside with a creamy, savory, and sweet dipping sauce. Addictive like booger sugar.
S E R V I C E
Warm, welcoming, approachable, and attentive.
Our fantastic server who may also be the manager (?) brought a TT a water bowl without even asking.
Since it was an early dinner and we were one of two tables, food service was prompt and well-paced.
A M B I A N C E
Indoor dining room is cozy but seems dated and doesn't really match their style of food. Outdoor seating was casual and pleasant with string lights. Not much pedestrian traffic so that was nice.
P A R K I N G
Easy, free street parking. 2-hour limit from 9 AM - 6 PM except Sundays and holidays.
Overall, I loved my meal at Jennini Kitchen; the food is delicious, well-executed, and reasonably priced for the quality and portions. It's been nearly a month since my visit and I'm still drooling over THAT sexy hunk of meat and those crack fries....Was this review …?
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3.5 STARS
Anton SV Pâtisserie in the city?!
I did a double-take, smooshed my face to the screen, and did a quick search to confirm it wasn't some copycat scam.
It's not...
One of Man Jose's (SJ) most popular Pâtisseries has made it's way to the city, offering their wildly popular Mille Crêpe Cakes for pick-up and delivery in a ghost kitchen. Their SJ location doesn't have a storefront and is running out of an office building so it's not too different.
Anton SV Pâtisserie has been on my bookmarks for years. But, I never got around to it because I was afraid the Mille Crêpe Cake would melt on the way back to the city.
So, now I have the chance to finally see what the hype is about (4.5 stars with over 900 reviews).
FYI, the phone number listed on the website is for their SJ location. They don't have a phone number for their SF location.
M E N U
Compared to their SJ location, they're offering a limited menu here. Slices and other desserts have to be purchased in a set of two. Can't mix-match.
Mille Crêpe Cakes Flavors:
* Hokkiado, Tiramisu, and Matcha
Two slices: $24, and whole cakes: $98.
They also sell Mini Fruit Tarts and Mango Panna Cotta. Set of two: $15 each.
Cakes/desserts are made at their SJ location, then delivered to their SF location for pick-up/delivery.
Cakes need to be refrigerated at all times, and to be consumed within 48 hours.
D E L I V E R Y
I ordered delivery through DoorDash at 11 AM (opens at 9 AM). I choose ASAP delivery and was quoted 17-22 minutes (depending on traffic, I live 5-8 minutes away) and my order took 135 minutes to arrive.
Yup...it took 2 hours and 15 minutes.
I regularly order delivery from this Charter Oak Hub when I'm working from home and I've never had any issues until today. I usually do NOT factor in delivery timing/delays into my rating because it usually has nothing to do with the business. But, in this case, the delay seems to be with the business and was excessive for something that's already made...
1st Dasher was assigned, waited for over 20 minutes, then left because the order wasn't ready. Another Dasher was assigned, and waited another 30 minutes. When I called her, she said, someone *took* my order.
I had to call DoorDash, and they had me re-order and by that time, the Mango Panna Cotta I had ordered was sold out.
3rd Dasher was assigned, waited 15 minutes, then left because my order wasn't ready. 4th Dasher waited another 25 minutes, then left because it still wasn't ready.
Finally, the 5th Dasher successfully retrieved my order after waiting 20 minutes and delivered it.
This location is either understaffed and/or having trouble packing orders. Or, maybe it was an off day and something happened.
In any event, I felt bad for the other Dashers that they wasted their gas and had to wait for nothing.
D E S S E R T
* Hokkaido Milk Mille Crêpe Cake (two slices - $24)
The 20 crepe layers were soft, delicate, and practically melt-in-your-mouth with a rich yet light milk cream between each layer. The grey hue is from the dusting of activated charcoal, adding a light nutty flavor. I enjoyed the crunchy textual contrast from the dark crispy chocolate balls.
Delicious and satisfying yet light and subtly sweet. I'm not big on sweets but I inhaled the entire slice in several minutes.
If you like AZN-style desserts, this will be your jam.
Overall, I really enjoyed the Hokkaido Mille Crêpe Cake and I liked it better than Lady M. However, I'm hesitant about ordering from their SF location again.
I really hope it was an off day. If not, I hope they streamline their processes.Was this review …?
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Two weeks ago, I was driving through Bernal and noticed a "Soft Opening" sign for AA Kitchen that took over long-time Angkor Borei (RIP).
Hmmm, Alkies Anonymous Kitchen?
I'm always down with the drunchies...even without alkie!
I found a menu online and they look to be mainly serving a mix of Pan-Asian/Fusion-y Cuisine with Americanized Chinese, Thai, Korean, Japanese, and Dim Sum.
Kinda iffy on the concept since they don't focus on one region. BUT any small business that has the balls to open during the pandemic deserves a fair shot.
AA Kitchen is offering takeout, delivery (3rd party apps), and indoor dining. I didn't see any tables outside so no outdoor dining.
Hours of Operation (per 3rd party delivery apps):
--Sunday 1 pm - 8 pm
--Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday: Lunch 11 am - 3 pm, Dinner 4 pm - 8:30 pm
--Closed Wednesday
I ordered delivery via UberEats and was quoted 25-35 minutes. It took an hour; this has no bearing on my rating because it's an UE issue. The food was still warm so that's what matters.
F O O D
* Salt & Pepper Chicken Wings ($9)
Decent; crunchy, meaty, and tender with some heat. Light batter but greasy. I wish they didn't completely seal the container or at least cut some holes/vents so the wings could stay crunchier during transit.
* Roast Duck Garlic Noodles ($15.75)
Based on the online pics, this looked to be the most promising dish. Unfortunately, it was meh so I ended up just making a salad.
The Cantonese-style roast duck seemed like it was store-bought and reheated. It was dry, very salty, and mainly skin, fat, and bones. The "garlic noodles" were broken up pieces of chow mein with cabbage, carrots, onions, and random pieces of shredded daikon. No garlic flavor whatsoever so this is misleading.
I'm glad I tried AA Kitchen once out of curiosity. Hope others have a better experience!Was this review …?
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