San Francisco: Campton Place Restaurant; restaurant review

San Francisco

Enjoy the meal of a lifetime at this two-starred-Michelin restaurant

Campton Place Restaurant

Located downstairs off the lobby of Taj Campton Place San Francisco hotel at Union Square, Campton Place Restaurant serves breakfast and dinner daily, as well as brunch on the weekend.

entrance to dining room at Campton Place Restaurant in San Francisco, California

Executive Chef Srijith Gopinathan has earned two Michelin stars by using refined techniques and unexpected flavor combinations.  His Cal-Indian cuisine blends California’s hyper-fresh produce with the complexity of Indian spices, and he tosses in some French style.  Campton Place Restaurant is recognized as the only Indian-influenced restaurant in the Western Hemisphere and Europe to obtain this honorable designation.  With a bank of comfortable booths and plenty of colorful fresh flowers, this lovely restaurant is the perfect spot for a celebration.  It even provides little cushions on which ladies can rest their purses.

purse cushions in dining room at Campton Place Restaurant
in San Francisco, California

Here is a reenactment of the over-the-top brunch I enjoyed.

Pierre Gimonnet & Fils Champagne
at Campton Place Restaurant in San Francisco, California

Pierre Gimonnet & Fils Champagne
at Campton Place Restaurant in San Francisco, California

green froth of arugula, green apple, and avocado--
a light, refreshing, and cool palate cleanser with flavors burst in the mouth
at Campton Place Restaurant in San Francisco, California

tiny ricotta and black bean vada--
light as a beignet, and served with curry leaf chutney
at Campton Place Restaurant in San Francisco, California

hot sauce made special to our taste by the chef,
who heard from the waiter that we like hot foods
at Campton Place Restaurant in San Francisco, California

“Chips and Eggs”--ultra thin, delicate Kennebec chips,
with Greek yoghurt aioli and two kinds of smoked trout roe 
at Campton Place Restaurant in San Francisco, California

charred Shisito peppers with roasted garlic and togarashi
(we had to be careful--every 6 to 8 of these peppers are super spicey-hot)
at Campton Place Restaurant in San Francisco, California

signature hot round naan buns made in the tandoor oven (they look like bagels),
plus homemade butter and precious Australian black truffle
at Campton Place Restaurant in San Francisco, California

hamachi crudo (raw fish) plus masala yogurt sauce with jalapeno, melon, radish, blood orange 
  and
heirloom cucumber salad with grilled peaches, feta, black salt, summer relish
and puffed poha (beaten rice)
at Campton Place Restaurant in San Francisco, California

delicious floral Turnbull Sauvignon Blanc wine
at Campton Place Restaurant in San Francisco, California

dry O’Shaughnessy Cabernet Sauvignon with black cherry notes
at Campton Place Restaurant in San Francisco, California

roasted New York steak with sweet corn mousse, mitake mushrooms, truffle jus,
and charred scallions
at Campton Place Restaurant in San Francisco, California

delicate gulf prawns in coconut curry with papadam squares and stone fruit chutney
at Campton Place Restaurant in San Francisco, California

Figs and Verbena:  black mission figs  with pistachio and lemon-verbena ice cream 
and 
elderberry cheesecake with lychee-elderberry glaze and strawberry-vanilla ice cream
with chai
at Campton Place Restaurant in San Francisco, California

Langetwins Moscato dessert wine
at Campton Place Restaurant in San Francisco, California

This feast was extraordinary.  It is a pleasure even now reliving it through photos.  And it must be said that the waiter, Luke Morrison, added panache to the event.

The more casual Bistro and Bar also is serviced by the same kitchen, but does not take reservations.



Things to do around Union Square.

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images ©2019 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

San Francisco: staycation at Taj Campton Place San Francisco; hotel review

San Francisco

Taj Campton Place San Francisco  

340 Stockton St./Sutter St., just off Union Square.  15 stories; 110 rooms.  2 restaurants.  Fitness room.  Valet parking.

exterior of Taj Campton Place San Francisco
 

The elegant, low-key Taj Campton Place San Francisco hotel is in a perfect location just off Union Square.  Fine art from nearby Meyerovich Gallery decorates the lobby and restaurants, and a seating area is enhanced with exceptional floral arrangements.  Guest rooms are decorated in beige and white colors with silver-shaded drapes and accented with blond-wood furniture and Asian touches.  Smooth ironed white sheets cover the duvet and bed.  Some suites offer a window seat overlooking the Apple store and Union Square, plus a big bathtub for which you can order up fresh red rose petals and fine bath salts to sprinkle upon the water.  Coffee and pastry is provided in the lobby each morning, and a local newspaper is available from the concierge.  Staff will walk dogs at no additional charge.  We brought our overnight items in backpacks, and turned this into a quick staycation.

lobby of Taj Campton Place San Francisco 

suite at Taj Campton Place San Francisco 

guest room bed at Taj Campton Place San Francisco

red rose petals ready for a bath at Taj Campton Place San Francisco

toes ready to submerge in a red rose petals bath
at Taj Campton Place San Francisco

More traveling toes.

view of Union Square from guest room at Taj Campton Place San Francisco

Sunday morning in guest room at Taj Campton Place San Francisco

backpacks turned our visit to Taj Campton Place San Francisco into a staycation

Downstairs off the lobby, Campton Place Restaurant serves breakfast and dinner daily, as well as brunch on the weekend.  Executive Chef Srijith Gopinathan has earned two Michelin stars.


Suggestion for a full 24-hour San Francisco staycation:
●lunch at Cafe de la Presse
●gallery hopping
●check in to hotel
●shopping around Union Square
●dinner at Sanraku
next day
●breakfast (or weekend brunch) in hotel
●check out of hotel


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images ©2019 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Albany: Zaytoon Mediterranean Restaurant & Bar; restaurant review

80 North

Zaytoon Mediterranean Restaurant & Bar  

1133 Solano Ave./Kains St.,  (510) 898-1316.  L-D Tu-Sun.

bar at Zaytoon Mediterranean Restaurant & Bar in Albany, California

The menu at Zaytoon Mediterranean Restaurant & Bar presents Levantine eastern Mediterranean cuisine and Jerusalem street food, and everything is made from scratch.  Clean lines, high ceilings and a Middle Eastern vibe define the decor.  For a starter I enjoyed the mezze platter, which provides a sampling of the goods--super-smooth hummus, rustic chopped baba ghannouj, tabouli, eggplant salad, and crispy falafel.  We paired the starter with the kefta ground beef and lamb kebabs and would have welcomed way more of the accompanying mint-jalapeno sauce.  There are quite a few dishes on the interesting menu that I will return to try.  They include the traditional Arabic cheese and Musakhan rolls of chicken and sumack rolled in borek dough; the fattoush salad with romaine lettuce, crispy pital, and radishes; the traditional maklouba rice dish that is served upside down with vegetables, pine nuts, and chicken or lamb; and samakeh--pan-fried fish with potatoes.  I also hear the moussaka is excellent.  We paired our two shared items with delicious cocktails and were good to go.  I sipped A Second Date (rum-date syrup, flower water, walnut bitters, orange oil) presented iceless in a stemmed glass, while my date enjoyed a Habibi (bourbon, amaretto, allspice dram, tahini, honey) served over ice in a highball glass.  International wines, draft beers, and non-alcoholic fresh-squeezed mint lemonade are also options.  The unusual desserts include a crumbled baklava sundae with ice cream and caramel, and a tahini sundae with date syrup and halvah--both of which pair well with Yemeni Senaai  coffee or Moroccan mint black tea.

colorful dining room at Zaytoon Mediterranean Restaurant & Bar
in Albany, California

mezze platter and cocktails at Zaytoon Mediterranean Restaurant & Bar
in Albany, California

kebab plate at Zaytoon Mediterranean Restaurant & Bar in Albany, California

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images ©2019 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Berkeley: Wrecking Ball Coffee Roasters (CLOSED); restaurant review

80 North

Wrecking Ball Coffee Roasters  

CLOSED  1600 Shattuck Ave., Gourmet Ghetto, (415) 638-9227.  M-F 7am-8pm, Sat-Sun 8am-8pm.

outside seating at Wrecking Ball Coffee Roasters in Berkeley, California

Sporting a very simple menu of coffee choices, this new kid on the block makes it easy to order.  Cream is kept chilled in a glass milk bottle and is brought out as requested.  A pastry case holds an array of options from Starter commercial bakery in Emeryville.  I chose a delicious almond croissant to go with my basic house coffee.  Seating options include outside by the sidewalk--which is particularly pleasant when the sun is shining--but if you’re here to work or surf, the spacious and serene upstairs is quieter and furnished with a long library-style work table, a couch and two comfy armchairs, and several cafe tables.  A dramatic mural spray-painted on the upstairs back wall by Korean artist Chris Chanyang Shim celebrates multiple cultures.

order counter at Wrecking Ball Coffee Roasters in Berkeley, California

drink menu at Wrecking Ball Coffee Roasters in Berkeley, California

pastry case at Wrecking Ball Coffee Roasters in Berkeley, California

upstairs at Wrecking Ball Coffee Roasters in Berkeley, California

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images ©2019 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Pacifica: Take a scenic hike on Highway 1, Devil's Slide Coastal Trail; things to do

1 South

Take a scenic hike on Highway 1

sign at north end of Devil's Slide Trail in Pacifica, California

Devil's Slide Coastal Trail  

Off Hwy. 1, between Pacifica and Montara, (650) 355-8289.  Free.  Dogs on leash ok.  Two small parking lots (10-15 cars each) available at north and south ends; from 8am, closing time varies; free; note that the south lot is accessible from both north- and southbound lanes of Hwy. 1; the north lot is accessible only from the southbound lane.

signs at north end of Devil's Slide Trail in Pacifica, California

The Devil’s Slide Trail was converted from a former segment of Highway 1 that was prone to slides and breaking pavement.  In 2014, this infamous section was bypassed by the new Tom Lantos Tunnels and became a 1.3-mile paved segment of the California Coastal Trail.  Situated high above the Pacific Ocean, it provides spectacular views for hikers, runners, bicyclists, and equestrians.  Overlooks with benches and a few observation scopes provide the opportunity to rest while enjoying the view and soaking up the sound of waves crashing on the rocks far below.  Interpretive signs along the way describe the area’s history, geography, and wildlife.  Restrooms, drinking fountains, bike racks, and pet waste stations are available at both ends of the trail.

observation scope on Devil's Slide Trail in Pacifica, California

interpretive sign on Devil's Slide Trail in Pacifica, California

Beginning from the south, the trail is mostly flat. About 2/3 of the way north it features steeper up and down grades.  For quickest access to ocean views, begin your walk at the south end of the trail, where views are encountered immediately and the grade is most gradual.

scenic stretch on Devil's Slide Trail in Pacifica, California

A recommendation for those with mobility problems:  Plan to park in the south lot.  You can easily walk about 2/3 of the trail, then turn around and go back.  The steepest part is the north 1/3 of the trail.  My group was split in abilities.  Two who were able and liked the challenge of steeper grades continued on and turned around later to rejoin us. 

undulating scenic stretch on Devil's Slide Trail in Pacifica, California

You might also meet some memorable characters along the trail.  We encountered an 82-year-old docent.  Before he moved ahead of us at a good clip, he described himself as “retired but not expired,” and he definitely “inspired” me!

scenic stretch on Devil's Slide Trail in Pacifica, California

On the day I visited the wind was blowing fiercely.  I did wonder a few times if it could blow me right into the sea.  It is a good idea to pack along a hat with ties, or do as I did and use a neck scarf to tie down your hat.  A hoodie also works to restrain hats.  And you might want to pack along water.

neck scarf holds on lady's hat on scenic stretch on Devil's Slide Trail
in Pacifica, California

The perfect lunch to tie in with a morning hike here is down the coast in Half Moon Bay at Sam's Chowder House.


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images c2019 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

San Francisco: Devil’s Teeth Baking Co.; restaurant review

San Francisco

Devil’s Teeth Baking Co.  

3876 Noriega St./45th Ave., Outer Sunset, (415) 683-5533.  Daily 7am-4pm.

parklet in front of Devil’s Teeth Baking Co. in San Francisco, California

Three diagonal parking spaces were converted to make the award-winning parklet here, which is particularly popular on sunny days but also used on the often-foggy days out this way when diners are dressed appropriately.  Minimal inside seating in this Devil’s Teeth Baking Co. bakery/coffeehouse is also available, and a pocket shelf holds a few books for borrowing.  Patrons order at the counter, where it is possible to view kitchen activity.  Housemade goodies include cinnamon rolls, a breakfast sandwich prepared with a fluffy biscuit, a really good donut muffin, and a giant chocolate chip cookie studded with chocolate chunks.  An assortment of coffees and lunch sandwiches are also available.

order counter at Devil’s Teeth Baking Co. in San Francisco, California

shortbread shark cookie at Devil’s Teeth Baking Co. in San Francisco, California

interior seating at Devil’s Teeth Baking Co. in San Francisco, California

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images ©2019 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Half Moon Bay: Sam’s Chowder House; restaurant review

1 South

Sam’s Chowder House  

4210 N. Cabrillo Hwy. (Hwy. 1), (650) 712-0245.  L-D daily; $$$.  Reservations taken.

exterior of Sam’s Chowder House in Half Moon Bay, California

This New England-style seafood house boasts excellent views of the Pacific Ocean from almost every table.  Sun-exposed outdoor seating is also an option at Sam’s Chowder House.  Specialties include fresh fish, live lobsters and crabs, and a raw bar.  Choose from New England (white) or Manhattan (red) clam chowders, and don’t miss my personal favorite--the award-winning lobster roll sandwich.  For the lobster roll, you do need to make a choice between “naked” (warm and dipped in butter) and “dressed” (chilled and with an aioli dressing).  Drinks are creative and fun—anyone for a Strawjito?--and Sam’s is family-friendly, too.

dining room at Sam’s Chowder House in Half Moon Bay, California

dining deck at Sam’s Chowder House in Half Moon Bay, California

lobster with very big claws in tank at Sam’s Chowder House
in Half Moon Bay, California

"naked" or "dressed" lobster roll? at Sam’s Chowder House
in Half Moon Bay, California

"naked" lobster roll at Sam’s Chowder House
in Half Moon Bay, California

"dressed" lobster roll at Sam’s Chowder House
in Half Moon Bay, California

An adjacent gift shop sells a curated selection of items that let you “bring a piece of the coast home with you.”  Many items are made by local artisans.  Takeout and items for a picnic-to-go are picked up here, and an all-inclusive lobster clambake pot that you can enjoy on the beach is available with 48-hours notice.

gift shop at Sam’s Chowder House in Half Moon Bay, California

2021 pandemic update:  Plenty of water-view outdoor tables are available on a patio surrounded by plexiglass, and more completely open-air tables sprinkle down the hillside.  Adirondack chairs are available at the hill’s bottom beside the quiet bay.  Make reservations so that you don’t get caught with what can be quite a long wait.  You can also put your name on the waiting list and be texted or called when your table is ready.  We arrived just before opening time at 11:30 a.m. for lunch and managed to get in after just a short wait.  Service is in general excellent here and covid-thoughtful, and a bottle of hand sanitizer is on every table.  

line at at Sam’s Chowder House in Half Moon Bay, California

After, climb the steps down to the small crescent beach behind Sam’s, where you can walk along the water and perhaps watch some kiteboarding.  Also, do note that Sam’s parking lot is often filled to overflowing with cars, yet the dining room has plenty of room.  Many people park here illegally, so don’t give up without calling the restaurant or stopping in to check the table status.

beach in back of Sam’s Chowder House in Half Moon Bay, California

kiteboards on beach in back of Sam’s Chowder House
in Half Moon Bay, California

Check out the scene here ahead of time via the SamCam webcam.

More things to do in Half Moon Bay.

More things to do along Highway 1.

More ideas for exploring Northern California.

images ©2019 Carole Terwilliger Meyers
updated 5-5-21

Healdsburg: Best Western Dry Creek Inn; hotel review

101 North

Best Western Dry Creek Inn  

198 Dry Creek Rd., 1 mi. from plaza, (800) 222-5784, (707) 433-0300.  102 rooms; $$.  Some gas fireplaces.  Heated pool (seasonal); 2 hot tubs; fitness room; sauna & steam room.  Full breakfast; restaurant.  Pets ok. 

exterior of Best Western Dry Creek Inn in Healdsburg, California

Located off the main drag, this attractive contemporary motel is popular with families.  Some rooms in the luxurious new Tuscan-style courtyard building have a piazza view and boast a granite top double sink, gas fireplace, and private balcony or patio.  Best Western Dry Creek Inn facilities include a business center, guest laundry room, and outdoor courtyard seating with fireplace.  The extensive full-buffet breakfast is served in a large room with several adjacent outdoor seating areas.  It features waffles, eggs and bacon, local pastries from Costeaux bakery, delish bagels from local Healdsburg Bagel Company, and local coffee from Flying Goat. 

guest room at Best Western Dry Creek Inn in Healdsburg, California

hot tub at Best Western Dry Creek Inn in Healdsburg, California

breakfast room at Best Western Dry Creek Inn in Healdsburg, California

More things to do in Healdsburg.

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images © 2019 Carole Terwilliger Meyers