March 18, 2016

San Francisco: Chabba Thai Cuisine (CLOSED); restaurant review

San Francisco

Chabaa Thai Cuisine  

CLOSED  420 Geary St./Mason St., downtown, (415) 346-3121.  L-D daily. 

Diners at Chabaa Thai Cuisine enter a narrow walkway past the tiny kitchen when entering the very small dining room tucked in the back here.  I was amazed by the deliciousness that came out of that small cooking space.  We chose #16 tom ka soup with coconut milk and mushrooms to start.  It was followed quickly by #22 pad ma kuer, a stir-fry of eggplant, sweet basil, and choice of meat (I like the chicken) plus sides of sticky rice and cucumber salad.  There are extensive vegan-vegetarian options, but you need to ask for that menu.  If you like heat, be sure to request the condiment tray with its wonderful hot green pepper rounds, spicy red sauce, and minced peanuts.  Service is fast and pleasant.  

kitchen at Chabaa Thai Cuisine in San Francisco
kitchen at Chabaa Thai Cuisine in San Francisco


#16 tom ka soup at Chabaa Thai Cuisine in San Francisco
#16 tom ka soup at Chabaa Thai Cuisine in San Francisco


#22 pad ma kuer at Chabaa Thai Cuisine in San Francisco
#22 pad ma kuer at Chabaa Thai Cuisine in San Francisco


cucumber salad at Chabaa Thai Cuisine in San Francisco
cucumber salad at Chabaa Thai Cuisine in San Francisco


condiments at Chabaa Thai Cuisine in San Francisco
condiments at Chabaa Thai Cuisine in San Francisco


 
More things to do in San Francisco

Way more things to do in San Francisco.

More ideas for exploring Northern California.

images ©2016 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

March 16, 2016

Orinda: Geppetto’s Caffe; restaurant review

Greater East Bay

Geppetto’s Caffe  

87 Orinda Way, (925) 253-9894.  B-L daily; $.  No reservations. 

Counter-service at this popular spot is usually fast, but sometimes it gets backed up in the morning when customers order espressos and the chocolaty Mexican mocha, a favorite.  A tree- and umbrella-shaded patio is prime in good weather and has a nice view of the golf course across the street, but inside with A.C. is good, too.  Breakfast at Geppetto's Caffe includes a made-to-order egg sandwich (think bacon, egg, and swiss on sunflower wheat), hardboiled eggs, a breakfast burrito, bagels, and an array of pastries from Semifreddi’s (the only pastry made in-house is the chocolate chip cookie).  For lunch, choose from a short-but-sweet menu of sandwiches and salads.  My faves  are the curry chicken sandwich on fluffy housemade sunflower wheat bread, the avocado-turkey-bacon with basil mayo, and the delish chicken-melted Brie-pesto on sourdough.  I also like the hot pastrami on rye and plan to try the BLAT next time.  Note that the turkey club has been described as “orgasmic.”  Sandwiches are big, but you are able to order just a half if you must.  A soup of the day and an assortment of salads are also available, and salted caramel gelato or affogato gelato “drowned” in espresso makes the perfect ending.

menu board at Geppetto's Caffe in Orinda, California
menu board at Geppetto's Caffe in Orinda, California


order counter at Geppetto's Caffe in Orinda, California
order counter at Geppetto's Caffe in Orinda, California


curry chicken sandwich at Geppetto's Caffe in Orinda, California
curry chicken sandwich at Geppetto's Caffe in Orinda, California


hot pastrami sandwich at Geppetto's Caffe in Orinda, California
hot pastrami sandwich at Geppetto's Caffe in Orinda, California


dining room at Geppetto's Caffe in Orinda, California
dining room at Geppetto's Caffe in Orinda, California




More things to do in Orinda.

More ideas for exploring Northern California.

images ©2016 Carole Terwilliger Meyers
updated 1-14-22

March 14, 2016

Berkeley: Everett & Jones Barbeque; restaurant review

1955 San Pablo Ave./University Ave., (510) 548-8261.  L-D daily; $$. 

Though the parking lot is big and sometimes full and though the line to get at Everett & Jones Barbeque varies, the tasty ‘que is worth the effort.  On my most recent visit the line was short, the service was fast, and there was no ‘tude, but it might just have been the luck of the draw.  This time I didn’t notice the ATM on their site, and they do now accept credit cards.  I always order up a lunch sandwich of ribs with medium sauce, which comes with two slices of wonder-style white or wheat bread and an ice cream-scoop full of tasty potato salad.  Currently that runs just under $10.  Brisket and chicken and a few other options are available.  Dinner includes two sides and for ribs runs just under $15.  Brisket is prepared only on Wednesday and Saturday.  FYI, Whole Foods sells their bottled sauce, and more restaurant outlets are in Oakland and Hayward.

exterior of Everett & Jones Barbeque
exterior of Everett & Jones Barbeque

order counter at Everett & Jones Barbeque
order counter at Everett & Jones Barbeque
 

order counter at Everett & Jones Barbeque
order counter at Everett & Jones Barbeque


take out ribs sandwich at Everett & Jones Barbeque
take out ribs sandwich at Everett & Jones Barbeque




More things to do in Berkeley.

Way more things to do in Berkeley. 

More ideas for exploring Northern California. 

images ©2016 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

March 11, 2016

Berkeley: Far Leaves Tea; restaurant review

80 North

Far Leaves Tea  

2626 San Pablo Ave./Parker St., West Berkeley, (510) 665-9409.  Tu-Sat 11-7, Sun 2-7, closed M. 

Cozy and quiet, this casual Asian-style tea house has tatami mats, tables, and antique tea chairs.  Known for its selection of loose-leaf teas, which are packed to go, Far Leaves Tea is the perfect spot to perch on a rainy day.  If you want to stay and sample a tea or just relax for a while, place your order at the counter.  A pot runs $5, plus $2 for a second cup to share.  A small selection of snacks that go well with tea includes items such as flavored mochi, taro buns steamed to order, almonds, and dates.  Hot water heaters and outlets are provided at every table, so many patrons use their laptops and phones.  Osmanthus tea has an aromatic flowery scent, while oolong is slightly smoky.  Rose tea, White Lavender tea, and Herbal Chai are also worth a try.

exterior of Far Leaves Tea in Berkeley, California
exterior of Far Leaves Tea in Berkeley, California


interior seating at Far Leaves Tea in Berkeley, California
interior seating at Far Leaves Tea in Berkeley, California


interior shop at Far Leaves Tea in Berkeley, California
interior shop at Far Leaves Tea in Berkeley, California


packaged teas to go at Far Leaves Tea in Berkeley, California
packaged teas to go at Far Leaves Tea in Berkeley, California


More things to do in Berkeley.

Way more things to do in Berkeley.  

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

More ideas for exploring Northern California.

images ©2016 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

March 9, 2016

St. Helena: The Model Bakery; restaurant review

Wine Country

The Model Bakery  

1357 Main St., downtown, (707) 963-8192.  Daily 7am-6pm.  

Among the delicious hand-formed breads baked in the 1920s-era brick-and-sand ovens at The Model Bakery are pain de vin (whole-wheat sourdough made with a starter derived from Napa Valley grape yeasts), sour rye, crusty sourdough, and both sweet baguettes and rounds.  Panini, mini-pizzas, and stuffed croissants make quick snacks, and old-fashioned cookies and biscotti are pleasing desserts.  For breakfast try the Morning Glory muffin, the bear claw, or their famous English muffins.  Coffee and espresso drinks are also available.  Cozy seating is provided inside and out for on-the-spot indulgence.  

exterior of The Model Bakery in St. Helena, California
exterior of The Model Bakery in St. Helena, California


interior of The Model Bakery in St. Helena, California
interior of The Model Bakery in St. Helena, California


bread rack at The Model Bakery in St. Helena, California
bread rack at The Model Bakery in St. Helena, California


pastry case at The Model Bakery in St. Helena, California
pastry case at The Model Bakery in St. Helena, California


kitchen at The Model Bakery in St. Helena, California
kitchen at The Model Bakery in St. Helena, California




More things to do in St. Helena.

More things to do in the Wine Country.

More ideas for exploring Northern California.
 

images ©2016 Carole Terwilliger Meyers 

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