October 20, 2017

Berkeley: La Marcha; restaurant review

80 North

La Marcha  

2026 San Pablo Ave./University Ave.  D Tu-Sun; two Happy Hours, 4-6pm & 10pm-12am, free tapas with purchased drinks. 

The vibrant La Marcha restaurant seems to be the busiest spot on the block, usually with a line waiting to get in.  A relatively small space, its two sweetest tables are tucked into the front bay windows and extra seating is found at the bar.  Overall, it evokes an authentic cozy atmosphere that I remember from tapas bars in Spain.  A TV above the bar adds to the ambiance.

interior of La Marcha in Berkeley, California
interior of La Marcha in Berkeley, California


sweet window seating at La Marcha in Berkeley, California
sweet window seating at La Marcha in Berkeley, California


bar at La Marcha in Berkeley, California
bar at La Marcha in Berkeley, California


There are more than 20 kinds of tapas.  Salads are also an option, and the restaurant is known as well for its large variety of paellas (there are six).  I was attracted to La Marcha by a special event sherry-pairing dinner that I was unable to attend.  So at a later date my dining companion and I had our own private tasting with the assistance of knowledgeable Jason (indeed, the entire staff is friendly and helpful), who explained the finer points of each of the dry sherries in my flight covering the five main styles--from a light fino to a robust oloroso.  I came away knowing that I favor a robust sherry.

Jason delivers sherry flights at La Marcha in Berkeley, California
Jason delivers sherry flights at La Marcha in Berkeley, California


tapas and sherry flights at La Marcha in Berkeley, California
tapas and sherry flights at La Marcha in Berkeley, California


Our tapas selection included patatas bravas, a trio of croquetas (mushroom, salt cod, chicken), albondigas (wild boar meatballs), gambas (prawns with heads on), goat cheese-stuffed piquillo peppers, and cumin lamb sliders.  I regret that I missed the bruselas (grape-sweetened fried Brussels sprouts).  Next time.

wild boar albondigas at La Marcha in Berkeley, California
wild boar albondigas at La Marcha in Berkeley, California


Our perfect ending to this repast was traditional churros con chocolate.

churros con chocolate at La Marcha in Berkeley, California
churros con chocolate at La Marcha in Berkeley, California


The extensive drink menu includes eight sherry flights, plus wines, ciders, Spanish beers, and an extensive collection of fortified wines, sweet wines, and sherries.   “La Marcha” is a reference to the typical late-night Spanish bar crawl, where patrons stroll from place to place and enjoy small plates and drinks throughout the evening.  Here you can stay put and do it all in one spot.  In addition to special event dinners (including sherry-pairing and cider-pairing as well as winemaker dinners), the restaurant offers two daily happy hours and half-off sangria every Sunday (the popular sangria here is made with Tempranillo wine, oloroso sherry, fruit juice, chopped fruit, and a splash of Pedro Ximénez).  And, every Tuesday is Flamenco Night.  Ole! 

In honor of International Sherry Week, November 6-12, 2017, La Marcha is hosting an array of events--including a three-course sherry pairing dinner and educational sherry flights, plus the inaugural “Night in Jerez,” the ultimate sherry-tasting party featuring tapas, paella, and a live flamenco show on November 10.  Check the website for more details. 



Way more things to do in Berkeley. 

More ideas for exploring Northern California. 

images ©2018 Carole Terwilliger Meyers


October 18, 2017

Capitola: Gayle’s Bakery & Rosticceria; restaurant review

504 Bay Ave./Capitola Ave., (831) 462-1200.  Daily 6:30am-8:30pm; $.  No reservations. 

The talent behind it all here is Gayle, who once worked at Berkeley’s Chez Panisse, and her husband Joe, who once was a house painter and musician.  Their story is of the little bakery that grew and grew, expanding from a tiny storefront operation to occupying the entire building as Gayle’s Bakery & Rosticceria.  It is an unpretentious bakery extraordinaire, featuring cases laden with a plethora of soul-satisfying, made-from-scratch choices that sometimes make a person dissolve into an abyss of indecision. 

It’s self-service here, so pick a number and then decide what to put on your lunch tray.  The red-potato salad?  Yes.  Christie’s coleslaw made with fresh ginger, cilantro, and peanuts?  But of course.  The albacore sandwich prepared with housemade mayo and on an herb-cheese roll?  Most definitely.  But leave room for a dessert--perhaps the moist German chocolate cake, or maybe an éclair, a pecan crocodile bar, or some other decadent delight.  Sidle up to the coffee bar for a drink, and then settle down either indoors at one of the French mosaic “earthquake tables” made from crockery broken in that infamous 1980s quake, or out on the cheery enclosed brick patio. 

A take-home order can be prepared for pick-up after dining; don’t forget to include a loaf or two of European-style bread, a bag of the melt-in-your mouth crostini, and maybe one of the dome-shaped lavender marzipan-frosted princess cakes, too.  Oh, and don’t forget the soups, or the spit-roasted meats prepared in a brick roasting oven imported from Italy, or . . .

counter at Gayle’s Bakery in Capitola, California
counter at Gayle’s Bakery in Capitola, California


cookies and cupcakes at Gayle’s Bakery in Capitola, California
cookies and cupcakes at Gayle’s Bakery in Capitola, California


covered patio dining at Gayle’s Bakery in Capitola, California
covered patio dining at Gayle’s Bakery in Capitola, California


"earthquake table" at Gayle’s Bakery in Capitola, California
"earthquake table" at Gayle’s Bakery in Capitola, California


spectacular cakes at Gayle’s Bakery in Capitola, California
spectacular cakes at Gayle’s Bakery in Capitola, California


lavender Princess Cake at Gayle’s Bakery in Capitola, California
lavender Princess Cake at Gayle’s Bakery in Capitola, California

 


More things to do along Highway 1.

More ideas for exploring Northern California.

images ©2017 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

October 13, 2017

Berkeley: Nico's 1508 (CLOSED); restaurant review

80 North

Nico's 1508  

CLOSED  1508 Walnut St. Suite B/Vine St., in Walnut Square, Gourmet Ghetto, (510) 280-5920.  L M-F, D daily, Sat-SunBr. 

Located around the corner from Chez Panisse and next door to original Peet’s, this newer kid on the block welcomes you with a friendly neighborhood bar and is both family-friendly and a good choice for a special occasion celebration.  When I arrived for dinner at Nico's 1508, the bar was packed with happy people and we were seated in a very private small booth just across from a family in a bigger open booth.  The small booth was separated off with lovely curtains and had the option of drawing a heavier curtain across the opening to the restaurant.  Frank Sinatra and friends added a soothing, romantic air to the ambiance.  Very nice.  Sidewalk café seating is also available, and a rooftop patio with a view of the Golden Gate Bridge--the perfect spot to watch the sunset--is coming. 

We started with delicious roasted Brussels sprouts mixed with goat cheese, a balsamic reduction, and pine nuts.  Note that bread is served only by request.  It would have gone nicely with the sprouts, but we decided to skip asking for it so that we could more fully enjoy our mains.  Other tempting starters included burrata with oven-dried tomatoes, steamed mussels, and a house pate with fig jam.  For mains, he had a firm and flavorful Hawaiian white walu with fingerling potatoes, and I had a substantial and tasty pappardelle pasta with a braised lamb sauce atop an herbed ricotta foundation (enough was left over for dinner the next day).  He had a Malbec from La Costa in Argentina, and I had a Zin from Cline in Sonoma.  Other mains that interested me were the huge Nico’s Burgermonger, a braised short rib of beef, and brick-roasted boneless half chicken with root vegetables and housemade mole sauce.  Housemade desserts include a popular crème brulee and more, but I think the best must be the one we luckily selected--a mascarpone layer cake with white chocolate frosting. 

I’ve heard the sandwiches and side salads at lunch are very good, and a weekend brunch offers both traditional and creative choices along with bottomless mimosas.  A nightly Happy Hour from 3 to 6 p.m. offers all appetizers, bottles of wine, and signature cocktails at half-off.  It is interesting to know that Chef Munther Massarweh was the youngest Executive Chef in the history of Chicago’s world famous Pump Room. 

exterior of Nico's 1508 in Berkeley, California
exterior of Nico's 1508 in Berkeley, California


bar at Nico's 1508 in Berkeley, California
bar at Nico's 1508 in Berkeley, California


interior of Nico's 1508 in Berkeley, California
interior of Nico's 1508 in Berkeley, Californian


delicious Brussels sprouts at Nico's 1508 in Berkeley, California
delicious Brussels sprouts at Nico's 1508 in Berkeley, California


waylu fish at Nico's 1508 in Berkeley, California
waylu fish at Nico's 1508 in Berkeley, California


pappardelle pasta with a braised lamb sauce at Nico's 1508 in Berkeley, California
pappardelle pasta with a braised lamb sauce at Nico's 1508 in Berkeley, California


marscapone layer cake at Nico's 1508 in Berkeley, California
marscapone layer cake at Nico's 1508 in Berkeley, California

 


Way more things to do in Berkeley.

More ideas for exploring Northern California.

images ©2017 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

October 10, 2017

Fairfield: Drive this scenic loop in Suisun Valley; things to do

80 North

Drive this scenic loop in Suisun Valley

 
The Suisun Valley has been growing grapes for as long as Napa, and indeed farmers in this valley once sold grapes to wineries in that valley.  Once known mostly for its pears and plums and walnuts, the valley’s orchards have mostly been pulled out and the area is becoming known for growing grapes and for especially great Petite Syrah grapes.  

Suisun Valley Road sign in Fairfield, California
Suisun Valley Road sign in Fairfield, California


You can start this loop by exiting Highway I-80 North at Suisun Valley Road and following it north to Larry's Produce.  If you are planning a picnic, you might want to stop there first for supplies.  Otherwise, continue on in the order below, returning to Larry's Produce at the end of the loop.  


Larry’s Produce  

4606 Suisun Valley Rd., (707) 864-8068.  Daily 9am-5pm (mid-June-Dec. only).  

This fresh-from-the-farm produce stand offers everything in season.  Fall activities at Larry's Produce include a pumpkin field, corn bath, hay pyramid, and corn maze, and in December--Christmas trees.  


Il Fiorello Olive Oil Company  

2625 Mankas Corner Rd., (707) 864-1529.  Tasting daily 1-5pm, $5; tour at 11am, by appt., $25.  

Roosters crow and chickens cluck at this olive oil mill that makes international quality oil and whose name means “little flower” in Italian.  The Il Fiorello Olive Oil Company facility makes 13 different kinds of extra virgin oil here, including a delicate, smooth Moraiolo that is great on a salad or omelette, and a gentle-but-spicy Jalapeno-Lime that is divine on fish and tacos (did you know there are thousands of varieties of olive oil?).  My tasting included those two as well as a bigger, more pungent Green Valley Estate and their Signature balsamic vinegar reduction--each with a tiny seasonal tidbit that enhanced the flavors.  We were taught to swirl the oil to release aromas.  All of the olive groves and everything else used here is organic.  In addition to milling their own oil, this facility mills for others.  The minimum is 1,000 pounds, less in a communal oil.  Cooking classes are scheduled regularly (August featured Everything Tomato).  

exterior of Il Fiorello Olive Oil Company in Fairfield, California
exterior of Il Fiorello Olive Oil Company in Fairfield, California


tasting set up at Il Fiorello Olive Oil Company in Fairfield, California
tasting set up at Il Fiorello Olive Oil Company in Fairfield, California


Suisun Valley Antiques & Collectibles  

2525 Mankas Corner Rd., (707) 422-HAUL.  M-F 8am-4:30pm, Sat-Sun 10-3:30pm.  

The motto at Suisun Valley Antiques & Collectibles is “When you want it gone . . . call John.”  After sorting through it all and sending about 1 per cent to the dump, he keeps the rest on his very big spread and he wants you to come and take it away.  “Bring something to trade.  I love trading!,” John invites.  Allow at least an hour to browse the goods.  

front yard of Suisun Valley Antiques & Collectibles in Fairfield, California
front yard of Suisun Valley Antiques & Collectibles in Fairfield, California


John at Suisun Valley Antiques & Collectibles in Fairfield, California
John at Suisun Valley Antiques & Collectibles in Fairfield, California


back yard at Suisun Valley Antiques & Collectibles in Fairfield, California
back yard at Suisun Valley Antiques & Collectibles in Fairfield, California


wine corks for sale at Suisun Valley Antiques & Collectibles in Fairfield, California
wine corks for sale at Suisun Valley Antiques & Collectibles in Fairfield, California


 Vezer Family Vineyard  

2522 Mankas Corner Rd., Suisun Valley, (888) 823-VINE.  M-Thur 11am-5pm, Fri-Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 10am-5pm.  Tasting $20/10 wines+includes tasting more at Blue Victorian; fee waived with wine purchase.  

The premium wines I tasted at Vezer Family Vineyard include a vibrant 2013 Estate Zinfandel that is tasty even without food, a very good 2013 Cassie-Estate Petite Sirah, and an exquisite 2012 estate La Salette Blend (65% Petite Sirah, 35% Zinfandel) that was my hands-down favorite.  A lovely tree-sheltered picnic area is available.  Special events are held regularly, including many tribute band concerts, and a cottage rental is available above a premium tasting room in back used for private tastings. 

Blue Victorian Winery

This sister winery is nearby at 5071 Suisun Valley Rd, (707) 422-8025.

exterior of Vezer Family Vineyard in Fairfield, California
exterior of Vezer Family Vineyard in Fairfield, California


tasting line up at Vezer Family Vineyard in Fairfield, California
tasting line up at Vezer Family Vineyard in Fairfield, California


Wooden Valley Winery & Vineyards  

4756 Suisun Valley Rd., Suisun Valley, (707) 864-0730.  Daily 11am-5pm.  Tasting/$10; fee refundable with wine purchase.  

Begun at the end of prohibition in 1933, the family-run Wooden Valley Winery & Vineyards is the area’s oldest winery.  Wines in general are well priced and include the light Rosetta made with white Gamay grapes that is named after the owner’s great grandma and which is a lovely sipping wine, especially on a hot day. 

sign at Wooden Valley Winery & Vineyards in Fairfield, California
sign at Wooden Valley Winery & Vineyards in Fairfield, California


lovely rusted family truck at Wooden Valley Winery & Vineyards in Fairfield, California
lovely rusted family truck at Wooden Valley Winery & Vineyards
in Fairfield, California


tasting room at Wooden Valley Winery & Vineyards in Fairfield, California
tasting room at Wooden Valley Winery & Vineyards in Fairfield, California


More information on Fairfield.  

More things to do along Highway 80.

More ideas for exploring Northern California.  

images c2017 Carole Terwilliger Meyers


October 6, 2017

Albany: Everest Kitchen; restaurant review

80 North

Everest Kitchen  

1150 Solano Ave./Kains Ave., (510) 679-5079.  L-D daily. 

Himalayan-Nepalese-Indian cuisine is on the menu at Everest Kitchen.  There is something for everyone, which means meat dishes as well as vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free items.  The lunch special offers good value at just $11 and is a great way to explore the menu.  It comes with white or brown rice, naan (bread) and papadam, daal soup, raita yogurt (which is perfect over the undressed green salad), and a Nepalese potato chutney.  I discovered that medium hot here is basically no heat, so will order hot next time.  I liked the Baigun ko Tarkari (eggplant roasted in a tandoori oven, then chopped and cooked in a tomato-onion sauce).  My dining companion was delighted with the Tofu Tikka Masala sauce, but neither of us thought the tofu tasted like it had been cooked in a tandoori oven.  Next time I’ll try the Cauli Chana (cauliflower with garbanzo beans) or the Pharsi ra Chana ko Tarkari (pumpkin curry with garbanzo beans). 

When ordering from the regular menu, momos are a must.  They are like soup dumplings, and the tasty chicken version is full of hot chicken and chive juices.  Also on the regular menu, goat curry (also on the lunch special), flavorful vegetarian kofta balls, huge vegetarian samosas and smashed samosas, and the traditional Nepali dish called kukhura ko choila are worth trying.  Both the honey naan and cheese naan are tasty, as are the mango lassi and chiya (like chai).  No condiments are put on the table. If you want tamarind sauce, you need to request it.  

exterior of Everest Kitchen in Albany, California
exterior of Everest Kitchen in Albany, California


interior of Everest Kitchen in Albany, California
interior of Everest Kitchen in Albany, California


Baigun ko Tarkari lunch special at Everest Kitchen in Albany, California
Baigun ko Tarkari lunch special at Everest Kitchen in Albany, California


Tofu Tikka Masala  lunch special at Everest Kitchen in Albany, California
Tofu Tikka Masala  lunch special at Everest Kitchen in Albany, California


October 4, 2017

St. Helena: Las Alcobas, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Napa Valley + Acacia House; hotel review + restaurant review

1915 Main St., just north of town, (707) 963-7000.  68 rooms.  Pool.  Exercise room; full-service spa.  Full breakfast; restaurant.  No pets.  Adults-only, age 17 and older.  Free valet parking. 

Built in 2017, this sister property to Las Alcobas in Mexico City features sleek new construction, plus a B&B conversion on the top floor of an existing guest house mansion and a restaurant conversion on the ground floor.  Located adjacent to the Beringer vineyards, the pool at Las Alcobas, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Napa Valley has a glass fence that allows viewing the adjacent vineyards.  Bicycles are available to borrow.  Guest rooms are spread through three contemporary grey-wood buildings.  All have wine-infused toiletries by the local Napa Soap Company, and in-room drinks and snacks are complimentary.  All guest rooms have a terrace or balcony with a fire pit and a vineyard view.  The B&B rooms vary a bit, and all feature a free-standing soaking tub in the middle of each room.

exterior of Las Alcobas resort in St. Helena, California
exterior of Las Alcobas resort in St. Helena, California


view of Beringer vineyards from guest room at Las Alcobas resort in St. Helena, California
view of Beringer vineyards from guest room at Las Alcobas resort
in St. Helena, California


guest room bathroom at Las Alcobas resort in St. Helena, California
guest room bathroom at Las Alcobas resort in St. Helena, California


swimming pool at Las Alcobas resort in St. Helena, California
swimming pool at Las Alcobas resort in St. Helena, California


Acacia House  

(707) 963-9004.  L-D daily; $$$+. 

 Situated within a dramatic 1907 white Colonial Revival mansion, which offers bed & breakfast rooms on the top floors, the new Acacia Houserestaurant features a selection of small and large plates designed to complement a diverse Napa Valley wine list.

exterior of Acacia House restaurant in St. Helena, California
exterior of Acacia House restaurant in St. Helena, California


bar at Acacia House restaurant in St. Helena, California
bar at Acacia House restaurant in St. Helena, California


The kitchen also provides hotel guests with breakfast as well as pool-side snacks, room service, and picnic baskets.  The expensive but satisfying repast served here surpassed my expectations, and the knowledgeable, attentive, and informative servers greatly enhanced the experience.  The meal begins with a choice of complimentary still or sparkling house-prepared water and a platter of housemade olive bread.  The chef started us off with an amuse consisting of a tiny one-bite heirloom tomato with goat cheese.

amuse starter at Acacia House restaurant in St. Helena, California
amuse starter at Acacia House restaurant in St. Helena, California


Then our shaken and frothy Margaritas Las Alcobas arrived in unsalted tulip glasses (the sea salt was in the foam).  Choosing from the summer menu, we began with a delicate and refreshing chilled heirloom melon soup enhanced with bits of habanero chili and mint.  The meat of the soup--chopped melon--arrived in a bowl, followed by a server who dramatically poured liquid over it from a spouted copper kettle.  Other starters I would have liked to try include burrata with apricots and almonds, and iced vegetables crudites with seasonal dip.

margaritas and melon soup at Acacia House restaurant in St. Helena, California
margaritas and melon soup at Acacia House restaurant in St. Helena, California


For mains he chose a Cornish game hen prepared deconstructed roulade-style, cut in rounds with roasted grapes and turnips and topped with a colorful sprinkling of blue cornflower petals.

Cornish game hen roulade-style at Acacia House restaurant in St. Helena, California
Cornish game hen roulade-style at Acacia House restaurant
in St. Helena, California


I was delighted with a crispy Iberico pork schnitzel surrounded by a spectacularly tasty ranch dressing and topped with black caviar (I was informed that this dish is so tasty because it is prepared with black-footed pigs from Spain that are kept fat and happy with a diet of acorns).

pork schnitzel at Acacia House restaurant in St. Helena, California
pork schnitzel at Acacia House restaurant in St. Helena, California


We were well guided to pair a smooth Sherrer Pino Noir wine with the hen, and a Lagier Meredith Syrah boasting great legs with the schnitzel.  (Wines are local, and Opus 1 is an option if you are in the mood to splurge big time.)

Jamieson delivers the wine at Acacia House restaurant in St. Helena, California
Jamieson delivers the wine at Acacia House restaurant in St. Helena, California


Rigatoni, whole roasted eggplant, and kobe beef ribeye were among other options.  Coffee came with a choice of many milks.  For dessert, we shared a trio of assorted rectangular eclairs (the waitress encouraged us with that’s “the best one; you’re in for a treat!”).  One éclair was made with fresh peaches, another with blueberries and cream cheese, and the third with dark chocolate.

eclair trio at Acacia House restaurant in St. Helena, California
eclair trio at Acacia House restaurant in St. Helena, California


We sat outside on the expansive wraparound front porch--the perfect choice on a warm summer evening.

porch dining at Acacia House restaurant in St. Helena, California
porch dining at Acacia House restaurant in St. Helena, California


Seating in the contemporary interior manages to be cozy, and some tables have a view of the kitchen action.

dining room at Acacia House restaurant in St. Helena, California
dining room at Acacia House restaurant in St. Helena, California


Pop rock is piped throughout, keeping the ambiance upbeat in an unintrusive way.  In spite of this elegance, the atmosphere is Levis casual, but I was surprised to see some diners appear in short shorts and baseball caps. 


More things to do in St. Helena.

More ideas for exploring Northern California.

images ©2017 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

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