May 28, 2009

Berkeley: Free Speech Movement Cafe; restaurant review

interior of the Free Speech Movement Cafe in Berkeley, California
U.C. Campus, In Moffitt Undergraduate Library, (510) 666-0805. Hrs. vary, open 24-hrs. during finals; $.

Who knew the old days are being celebrated in this cheery campus cafe/coffeehouse? Well, the young students do, the ones who weren’t born yet when the Free Speech Movement was happening. They sit in front of their computers in front of gigantic black-and-white murals of Mario Savio famously speaking (freely) while standing atop that car. Check it out over salads, sandwiches, and coffees.


More things to do in Berkeley.

Way more things to do in Berkeley. 

More ideas for exploring Northern California.

image ©2009 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

May 25, 2009

San Francisco: Sens; restaurant review

San Francisco

Sens  

4 Embarcadero Ctr., (415) 362-0645. L M-F, D M-Sat; $$$. Reservations advised.

Featuring a lovely interior space with rough-cut stone walls and ceiling accents, artful blown-glass sconces, and a view of the Ferry Building, Senst has an ever-changing Mediterranean-inspired menu with strong North African influences. Delicious options have included an appetizer array of pita bread spreads, grilled sea bass with flavorful Romesco sauce and saffron rice, and killer desserts--think chocolate-marshmallow bread pudding. Deep-fried green olives stuffed with veal--a house specialty--are always available. Off the bar, a casual outdoor terrace overlooks Embarcadero plaza; heat lamps make it a year-round option. Hookah happy hours take place there weekdays from 3 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Puffers choose a flavor—guava and peach are prime—and can also order cocktails and bar food. (Each hookah comes with a sanitary disposable plastic mouthpiece.)


More things to do in San Francisco

Way more things to do in San Francisco.

More ideas for exploring Northern California.

May 22, 2009

Lafayette: Artisan Bistro (CLOSED); restaurant review

Greater East Bay

Artisan Bistro  

CLOSED  1005 Brown Ave./Mt. Diablo Blvd., (925) 962-0882. L Tu-Sat, D Tu-Sun, Sat-SunBr; $$-$$$. Reservations advised.

Operating on a quiet side street within a converted 1922 cottage, this intimate venue’s decor includes natural wood beams, a stone fireplace, and walls painted with sophisticated muted darker colors. In good weather, Artisan Bistro's expansive brick patio invites fresh-air dining. Lunch includes a salami-avocado chopped salad, a burger, and sandwiches, while the seasonal dinner menu might offer a thick and tasty artichoke soup with a dollop of marcona almond-mint pesto, an herb-crusted rack of lamb, or a satisfying deep-fried Cornish game hen with mashed potatoes, gravy, and a housemade biscuit. Desserts run the gamut from homey orange-and-caramel bread pudding to a refined goat cheese torte with Port sauce and cranberry sabayon.


More things to do in Lafayette. 

May 20, 2009

San Francisco: King of Thai Noodle House; restaurant review

San Francisco

King of Thai Noodle House  

639 Clement St./7th Ave., Richmond District, (415) 752-5198. L-D daily; $. No cards.

The tiny King of Thai Noodle House is the original location in what has become a mini-chain in the city. Fast, cheap, delicious noodle dishes are the specialty—don’t miss #17, stir-fried flat rice noodles with shrimp, green long bean, bell pepper, Thai chili, and basils—but rice plates, soups, and salads are also options. Many vegetarian options can be prepared by request.

Branches at: 346 Clement St./33rd St.; 3199 Clement St.; 156 Powell St./O’Farrell St., Union Square; 420 Geary St./Mason St., Union Square; 184 O’Farrell St./betw. Powell St & Stockton St.


More things to do in San Francisco

Way more things to do in San Francisco.

May 19, 2009

Berkeley: Celia’s Mexican Restaurant (CLOSED); restaurant review

80 North

Celia’s Mexican Restaurant  

CLOSED  1841 Euclid Ave., (510) 549-1460. L-D M-Sat; $$.

It is surprising on this student-oriented block to find such a fresh venue and such a tasty menu as that of Celia's Mexican Restaurant. The brightly colored interior is spacious, open, and airy, with windows open to the breeze on warm days. Selections include the more traditional items as well as fajitas, seafood, and a hamburger; favorites include enchiladas and a deep-fried chimichanga made with a flour tortilla. The lime margarita made with 100% blue agave is simply the best, but cold beer and sangria are also good options.

After, browse the carefully selected collection in the tiny Analog bookstore across the street.


More things to do in Berkeley.

Way more things to do in Berkeley. 

More ideas for exploring Northern California.

image courtesy of venue

May 18, 2009

Santa Cruz: The Mystery Spot; things to do

1 South 

The Mystery Spot

The greatest TV and film detectives of all time--Sam Spade, Inspector Clouseau, and Angela Landsbury--help solve The Mystery Spot's mystery on The Badoop Badoop show.


More ideas for exploring Northern California.

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