December 28, 2011

Berkeley: Thai Delight Cuisine; restaurant review

1700 Shattuck Ave./Virginia St., Gourmet Ghetto, (510) 549-0611. L-D daily; $$. Reservations accepted. 

Featuring a pleasant atmosphere, this one-room Thai venue provides a wall lined with comfortable booths as well as a sea of tables and chairs. The extensive lunch menu at Thai Delight Cuisine is well priced, with noodle dishes and rice plates, plus an entire page of veggie options and an additional several pages of organic choices. Particularly tasty items include pad Thai, green curry, pumpkin curry, basil eggplant, and pra ram tofu (with peanut sauce on top of spinach and broccoli). If you want spicy, do request it.


More things to do in Berkeley.

Way more things to do in Berkeley. 

More ideas for exploring Northern California.

image ©2011 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

December 21, 2011

El Cerrito: Banh Mi Ba Le Vietnamese Sandwich; restaurant review

80 North

Banh Mi Ba Le Vietnamese Sandwich 

10174 San Pablo Ave./Central, in Peppermint Tree Plaza, (510) 528-8882. M-Sat 8-6; $4-$4.50/sandwich. Cash only.  

menu posted outside at Banh Mi Ba Le Vietnamese Sandwich in El Cerrito, California
menu posted outside at Banh Mi Ba Le Vietnamese Sandwich
in El Cerrito, California


This tiny strip-mall take-out spot has only one table inside plus two outside. The specialty at Banh Mi Ba Le is super delicious, cheap Vietnamese sandwiches that consist of a large crispy sandwich roll (made so crunchy by using a combination of wheat and rice flour), a choice of stuffing.  They are spiced with green chili peppers and fluffed with cucumber slices, shredded pickled carrots, pickled daikon, and cilantro.  Of the ten choices, I favor the #7 (very red barbecued pork) and the #5 (meatballs that seem more like unstuffed sausage), but bacon and tofu veggie ham are also among the possibilities. To order, just get in line and choose your filling. Several other enticing take-out items are available in a deli case, and some unusual drinks are in the fridge. Try to refrain from eating in your car because you’ll wind up with a lot of crumbs.

menu at Banh Mi Ba Le Vietnamese Sandwich in El Cerrito, California
menu at Banh Mi Ba Le Vietnamese Sandwich in El Cerrito, California


deli case at Banh Mi Ba Le Vietnamese Sandwich in El Cerrito, California
deli case at Banh Mi Ba Le Vietnamese Sandwich in El Cerrito, California


counter at Banh Mi Ba Le Vietnamese Sandwich in El Cerrito, California
counter at Banh Mi Ba Le Vietnamese Sandwich in El Cerrito, California


take-out sandwich from Banh Mi Ba Le Vietnamese Sandwich in El Cerrito, California
take-out sandwich from Banh Mi Ba Le Vietnamese Sandwich
in El Cerrito, California


More things to do in El Cerrito. 

More ideas for exploring Northern California.

image ©2011 Carole Terwilliger Meyers
updated 10-31-14; 7-21-21

December 19, 2011

Berkeley: ACCI Gallery; things to do

80 North

ACCI Gallery  

1652 Shattuck Ave., (510) 843-2527. M-Sat 11-6, Sun 12-5. 

Featuring ceramics, jewelry, paintings and more, this is the place to find that perfect gift.

merchandise at ACCI Gallery in Berkeley, California
merchandise at ACCI Gallery in Berkeley, California


More things to do in Berkeley.

Way more things to do in Berkeley. 

More ideas for exploring Northern California.

image ©2011 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

December 16, 2011

San Francisco: Samovar (CLOSED); restaurant review

San Francisco

Samovar  

CLOSED  730 Howard St./3rd St., Upper Terrace of Yerba Buena Gardens, (415) 227-9400. Daily 10-8; $$. No reservations.

themed lunch plates at Samovar in San Francisco
themed lunch plates at Samovar in San Francisco


A menu of whole-leaf teas along with some sweet or savory treats are just the thing to enjoy here at Samovar in the airy, high-ceilinged interior space or outside on the sprawling patio overlooking Yerba Buena Gardens. The Upper Terrace is home to Sister City Gardens, which features flowering plants from San Francisco’s thirteen sister cities. Try the housemade Masala chai paired with a cherry-oat scone or smoked wild salmon quiche, or maybe one of the cultural tea services—the Moorish spread comes with veggie kebabs, mint salad, endamame hummus and roasted eggplant spreads, chevre-stuffed dates, and mint tea.

 
More things to do in San Francisco

Way more things to do in San Francisco.

More tea rooms in Northern California.
 
More tea times around the world.

More ideas for exploring Northern California.

image ©2011 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

December 14, 2011

San Francisco: "Jewish surf music" at the Contemporary Jewish Museum; things to do

 San Francisco

Contemporary Jewish Museum

Who knew that Bay Area “Jewish surf music” even existed? A delightful photo of "Hassids with surfboards" (it is also on the album cover of Meshugga Beach Party's latest album, “Let’s Go Shleppin!”) is part of the "California Dreaming" show here, running through October 16, 2012. Don't miss it . . . or the Houdini: Art and Magic show, which displays some amazing video footage and continues through January 16, 2012.

More about the Contemporary Jewish Museum, including the deli restaurant (scroll down).

 
More things to do in San Francisco

Way more things to do in San Francisco.

More ideas for exploring Northern California.

December 8, 2011

Berkeley: Origen: a Farm to Fork Restaurant (CLOSED); restaurant review

pizza at Origen: a Farm to Fork Restaurant in Berkeley, California
80 North

Origen: a Farm to Fork Restaurant  

CLOSED  2826 Telegraph Ave./Oregon St., (510) 848-9200. L Tu-F, D Tu-Sun; $$.

The restaurant’s name is a Catalan word meaning “from the source.” The locally-sourced menu at Origen: a Farm to Fork Restaurant changes daily and features international flavors, Catalan influences, and a small plates presentation. Chef-owner Trace Leighton says, “We do large flavors on small plates.” My meal began with a stiff 50’s-style “freight & salvage” highball made with Redemption rye, Chartreuse, and Carpano. It took the edge off. My companion and I ordered everything to share: really good potatoes bravas with aioli, pan-fried baby Brussels sprouts with chestnuts and aged sherry vinegar, a silky wilted spinach salad with beets and pecans (it definitely wasn’t wilted, but was still very good). We enjoyed a highly-seasoned, spicy paella--one variety is available each day--with shrimp, pistachios, and squash; it had a creamy consistency like a risotto. Room remained for just a few slices of the tasty Basque chorizo pizza made in a wood-fired brick oven and so most of it went home with us (it measured 9 inches and featured a soft, fluffy, chewy crust). Many items can be prepared vegan by request. A five-course prix fixe menu with optional wine pairings changes daily. Desserts include homey bread pudding, a scrumptious butterscotch-pecan blondie, and assorted artisan cheeses. Polished wood paneling and accents by Berkeley Mills provide a warm decor, and some booths offer comfy seating. My favorite touch is the soft dish towels that are used as oversize napkins.


More things to do in Berkeley.

Way more things to do in Berkeley. 

More ideas for exploring Northern California.

image ©2011 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

December 7, 2011

Christmas events in Nevada City and Grass Valley; things to do + hotel review

Highway 49--Gold Rush Country

Christmas events in Nevada City and Grass Valley




WHAT: Victorian Christmas

WHERE: Nevada City
WHEN: December 7, 11, 14, 18, and 21; Wednesdays 5-9 PM, Sundays 1:30-6 PM
DETAILS: For Victorian Christmas this Gold Rush town’s historic district is closed to traffic and transformed into Christmas past, and enchanting melodies and costumed characters take visitors to another time and place. Enjoy tasting chestnuts roasted on an open fire, hearing strolling minstrels and brass bands, riding on a hay wagon, and more. Among the promises: Victorian singers, bagpipers, a living nativity scene, a walking Christmas tree, and, of course, Santa Claus.
MORE INFO: (800) 655-NJOY, (530) 265-2692

and

WHAT: Cornish Christmas

WHERE: Grass Valley
WHEN: On Fridays, beginning the Friday after Thanksgiving (November 25) until the Friday before Christmas (December 23), 6-9 PM.
DETAILS: Experience an old-time Cornish Christmas at this event celebrating the traditions of the Cornish miners who settled this neighboring Gold Rush town. Visitors can taste traditional food and drink, hear period music, and dance in the traffic-free downtown streets.
MORE INFO: (530) 272-8315



NEARBY LODGING: 

National Hotel 

In Nevada City, (530) 265-4551. 

Located right in the center of all the action, on the town's main street, the National Hotel claims to be the oldest continuously operating hotel west of the Rockies--maybe even west of the Mississippi. Built in 1856, it is a state historical landmark and features high ceilings, cozy floral wallpapers, and old-time furniture.


More things to do in Grass Valley.

More things to do in Nevada City.

More things to do in Gold Rush Country.
 

December 5, 2011

Petaluma: Della Fattoria; restaurant review

lunch plate at Della Fattoria in Petaluma, California
101 North

Della Fattoria 

141 Petaluma Blvd. N, (707) 763-0161. Tu-Thur & Sat 7-3, F 7am-9pm, Sun 9-3; $$.

Part artisan bread bakery and part cafe, Della Fattoria is a cozy, pleasing venue for a tasty breakfast or lunch. Breakfast items include a housemade bagel with homemade cream cheese and smoked salmon (though it is near perfect, a few garnishes—perhaps some onions and pickles—would be nice) and a crusty housemade rosemary-Meyer lemon bread toasted and topped with pureed flageolet beans, Laura Chenel chevre, roasted garlic, and olive oil. Do remember to order up a loaf of bread and a bag of granola (heavy on nuts mixed with oats) to take home.




December 2, 2011

Orinda: Szechwan Restaurant; restaurant review

exterior of Szechwan Restaurant in Orinda, California
Greater East Bay

Szechwan Restaurant 

 79 Orinda Way, (925) 254-2020. L Tu-Sat, D Tu-Sun; $$.
 
Simple, clean, and with a nice park view, this welcoming spot also has quite a few comfy booths. No MSG is used in the dishes at Szechwan Restaurant, which include tasty hot-and-sour soup, sweet-and-sour pork (cut in small pieces and not overly sweet), and Szechwan beef (deep-fried meat punctuated with bright green peas). The bargain lunch special includes tea, soup, salad, appetizer, rice, entrée, orange slices, and a fortune cookie.


More things to do in Orinda.

More ideas for exploring Northern California.

image ©2011 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

November 30, 2011

San Francisco: Jane; restaurant review

counter seating at Jane in San Francisco
San Francisco

Jane  

2123 Fillmore St., Upper Fillmore, (415) 931-5263.

This small, narrow venue features tall ceilings and windows, a variety of seating options, and a scrumptious menu. Diners at Jane order at the counter near a mouth-watering display of baked goods. You can’t go wrong with the combo plate, most especially the veggie chopped salad combined with the tomato-basil-mozzarella-pesto panini. More tasty possibilities include a Nicoise salad, Asian chicken salad, and Duroc ham-Gruyere panini. Oh yeah, those pastries. I thoroughly enjoyed the chocolate chip toffee cookie, and plan to try the chocolate cherry cake next time.





November 28, 2011

Petaluma: Metro Hotel; hotel review

exterior of Metro Hotel in Petaluma, California
101 North

Metro Hotel 

508 Petaluma Blvd. S., 6 blocks SE of downtown, (707) 773-4900. 14 rooms, 2 cottages, 1 Airstream trailer; 2 stories. Limited continental breakfast. No pets.

Located on a main thoroughfare four blocks south of downtown, this unusual lodging complex consists of rooms within an 1870s mansion as well as several cottages and an Airstream trailer. A mix of cheerful French blue and other perky colors welcomes guests. For the minimalist Metro Hotel breakfast you make your own cup of drip coffee--which is kind of fun and it is the gourmet organic Peet’s brand--and then select from a couple of pastries that might include a pumpkin or blueberry tea cake. The French atmosphere is enhanced with music and decor, yet subtle. Rooms are decorated similarly with a Parisian flair: walls in varying soft color washes; a chalk-board for a headboard; light, natural hardwood floors; distressed antiques. Most rooms have the spaciousness and high ceilings that come with Victorian mansions. Bathrooms vary, and all but two rooms have a clawfoot tub with a shower. Vintage touches include tiny one-inch, six-sided white floor tiles and two-faucet sinks. A bocce court invites play, and many benches beckon in the small garden.


More things to see and do in Petaluma.

More ideas for exploring Northern California.

image ©2011 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

November 25, 2011

San Francisco: Hyatt Regency San Francisco; hotel review

San Francisco 

Hyatt Regency San Francisco 

is hosting snowfall throughout the holiday season in its dramatic atrium lobby--dubbed by the Guinness Book of World Records as the world's largest. Snow falls three times daily through December 31, 2011. In addition, you'll see thousands of dramatic cascading lights and a spectacular 30-foot tree.

Eclipse Café 

will present Breakfast with Santa on December 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18 from 8am–noon






and

Embarcadero Holiday Skating Rink

presents ice skating daily in December and January.




images ©2011 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

November 23, 2011

Berkeley: 900 Grayson; restaurant review

80 North

900 Grayson  

900 Grayson St./7th St., (510) 704-9900. B-L M-Sat; $$. No reservations. 

lunch special at 900 Grayson in Berkeley, California
lunch special at 900 Grayson in Berkeley, California


Situated within an atmospheric vintage building, this cozy restaurant usually requires a wait. Once inside 900 Grayson, it isn’t easy to choose from the tantalizing menu choices, but The Demon Lover does seem to be the runaway favorite. It consists of a spectacular crispy fried chicken breast atop an unremarkable waffle and is draped in old-time white chicken gravy; it is fork-licking good, but next time I order it, I’m doing it a la carte and getting the chicken with a side of gravy and slaw). Herb french fries, a burger, a pulled-pork sandwich, and coriander-crusted rare ahi tuna are also very good. Libations include unique mixed drinks and agua fresca.

November 21, 2011

November 18, 2011

Oakland: Oasis Food Market; restaurant review

880 South

Oasis Food Market 

3045 Telegraph Ave., (510) 655-5111. Daily 9am-10pm; $.

In addition to a deli and grocery, the Middle Eastern Oasis Food Market has an informal dining area. It’s easy to fall in love with the smoky babaghanouge and crunchy red Turkish salad, especially when paired with 9-inch rounds of zatar-topped “pies,” but do save room for perhaps a kabob or shawarma or falafel. Five kinds of Feta and six varieties of olive are also available. Note that a paper menu at the counter makes ordering easier. Halal meat, hookahs, and Arabic kitchenware are also for sale.
 


Way more things to do in Oakland.

More ideas for exploring Northern California.

November 16, 2011

Petaluma: Sonoma Valley Portworks; things to do

613 Second St., Riverfront Warehouse District, (707) 769-5203. Daily 12-5.

Tasting at Sonoma Valley Portworks  includes six wines—perhaps the chocolaty Deco port, or the Duet hazelnut sherry--plus the rich, sweet Sonomic “almost” vinegar. On weekends, tastings are paired with cheeses and sweets, and amazingly it’s all free. Bottling takes place in the back.


More things to see and do in Petaluma.

More ideas for exploring Northern California.

image ©2011 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

November 14, 2011

Petaluma: The Find; things to do

101 North

The Find  

322 Western Ave., (707) 763-2276.

some finds at The Find in Petaluma, California
some finds at The Find in Petaluma, California


This spacious shop features home furnishings on consignment as well as many chicken-related items—perhaps a series of chicken-head paintings or an antique chicken egg incubator.


More things to see and do in Petaluma.  

More ideas for exploring Northern California. 

image ©2011 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

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