Menlo Park: Park James Hotel; hotel review

101 South

Park James Hotel  

1400 El Camino Real/ Valparaiso Ave., (650) 304-3880.  61 rooms; 4 stories.  Restaurant; room service.  Fitness room; massage room.  All-valet parking/$25 per night.  

exterior of Park James Hotel in Menlo Park, California

Located just a few blocks from Palo Alto, and a few miles from both Stanford University and the toney Stanford Shopping Center, the Park James Hotel fronts a main traffic artery and abuts a quiet residential neighborhood in back.  Its California Modern architecture has a clean-lined, Asian feel.  

Guest room furnishings are comfortable, and decor includes both attractive original art and hardwood floors accented with area rugs.  All rooms also have sliding glass doors that permit fresh air into the room, and drapes and sheers are controlled by a wall switch.  Beds are triple-sheeted, and bathrooms feature light grey slate floors and walls plus an all-glass walk-in shower.  Cutting edge amenities include complimentary Tesla and electric car charging, and a computer tablet is provided to contact the front desk for various services.  

guest room at Park James Hotel in Menlo Park, California

guest room at Park James Hotel in Menlo Park, California

An inviting bar producing excellent craft cocktails (think Pineapple Mojito and Cucumber Basil Gimlet) is fully open to the lobby.  In good weather, the Oak + Violet restaurant offers outside seating on an expansive interior courtyard equipped with romantic strings of lights, effective heaters, and sometimes live music.  The restaurant offers a simple dinner menu, with several steaks and fish among the main courses.  Appetizers are a surprising highlight and include a variety of oysters, truffle fries, and over-the-top-flavorful baby carrots with garlic-lemon aioli and pistachio dukkah sauce.  A continental breakfast is available only by room service.  

bar at Park James Hotel in Menlo Park, California

Pineapple Mojito cocktails at bar at Park James Hotel
in Menlo Park, California

patio at Oak + Violet restaurant at Park James Hotel
in Menlo Park, California

dukkah carrots appetizer at Oak + Violet restaurant at Park James Hotel
in Menlo Park, California

Chef Joshua Chelminski at Oak + Violet restaurant at Park James Hotel 

in Menlo Park, California

Pandemic Update

The hotel is LEED certified and was designed with special attention given to air quality.  Each guest room has its own HVAC system, ensuring that the air between guest rooms is never shared.

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first image courtesy of venue; 

remaining images ©2022 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

San Francisco: Noosh; restaurant review

San Francisco

Noosh  

2001 Fillmore St./Pine St., Upper Fillmore, (415) 231-5985.  L & D W-Sun.  

corner entrance to Noosh in San Francisco, California

interior of Noosh in San Francisco, California

The Eastern Mediterranean menu at Noosh is stellar.  We ordered from an a la carte menu at brunch.  My group of five loved the “fresh-baked ‘Everything’ bread and spreads.”  The sesame flatbread was spectacular, and the whipped hummus, smoked yogurt, and red beet muhammara spreads were gone lickety-split.  Additionally we ordered several flatbreads--one topped with veggies and another with tomato sauce, pizza style.  We all adored the crispy smashed potatoes made with garlic and rosemary, and kebabs also are on the menu.  A more extensive and expensive prix fixe menu is available for brunch and a tasting menu for dinner.  Sidewalk seating and a parklet are both available.  

"Everything" bread and spreads at Noosh in San Francisco, California

salad at Noosh in San Francisco, California

2021 pandemic update:  We sat outside at a table adjacent to the exterior wall of the restaurant.  A spacious parklet was also available across the sidewalk.  Staff wore masks, and we felt comfortable removing our masks while we dined.  

parklet at Noosh in San Francisco, California

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images ©2021 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Berkeley: KC’s BBQ (CLOSED); restaurant review

80 North

KC’s BBQ  

CLOSED  1235 San Pablo Ave./Gilman St., West Berkeley, (510) 526-6325.  W-F 11am-8pm, Sat 10am-8pm, Sun 10am-5pm.  

exterior of KC's BBQ in Berkeley, California

Recovered now from a fire, this barbecue spot is reopened.  Pork ribs are slathered with a delicious sweet sauce and are primo.  But the links, brisket, and chicken are also tasty, and leftovers work nicely into a sandwich the next day.  Sides include a very good potato salad, as well as beans and coleslaw.  Rolls are simple white bread-style but do soak up the sauce nicely.  I ordered the two-way combo with  three pork ribs and a generous amount of beef brisket.  Two people split the meal and had leftovers for sandwiches.  The combo includes baked beans, potato salad, and a dinner roll.  Since I am particularly fond of ribs, the next time I ordered rib dinners, which each came with three ribs, potato salad, and two rolls.

2021 pandemic update:  Place your order and pay on line or by phone.  Efficient pick up occurs at a table outside the front door.  The dining room full of tables is closed for now, but a back patio might soon be a dine-in option.  

two way combo at KC's BBQ in Berkeley, California

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images ©2021 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

El Cerrito: New Dumpling; restaurant review

80 North

New Dumpling  

10064 San Pablo Ave., (510) 529-4161.  L-D Tu-Sun.  

exterior of New Dumpling in El Cerrito, California

At New Dumpling, choose your dumpling filling from an assortment of 10.  All dumplings are boiled, and they come a generous 14 to an order.  One order of the green chive-with-shrimp-and-pork dumplings, plus an order of crispy green-onion pancakes--which are fried and can be oily, and come 2 to an order--satisfies most adults.  Everything is made fresh.  Among the limited sides are a few salads, including a spicy cucumber with wood-ear mushroom.  

menu board at New Dumpling in El Cerrito, California

2021 pandemic update:  Items are picked up at a table outside the closed restaurant door.  In non-COVID times, a cook makes dumplings where everyone has a view into the open kitchen.  

exterior of New Dumpling in El Cerrito, California

take-out dumplings and green onion pancakes
at New Dumpling in El Cerrito, California

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images c2021 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

San Francisco: Little Red Window; restaurant review

San Francisco

Little Red Window  

500 Columbus Ave./Union St., (415) 757-0600.  Thur-Sun 12-8pm.  

customer places order at Little Red Window
in San Francisco, California

Specializing in the half-moon pastry known as an empanada, this establishment operates inside a V-shaped corner building whose exterior is painted with colorful murals.  To order to go, look for the little red window.  From the selection of styles, I opted for one baked Spanish empanada stuffed with a chorizo and potato mix (next time I’ll also try the pork and peppers version), one baked Argentinian classic beef, and one fried Mexican bean in a masa shell.  Special sauces are optional for each and cost additional.  I purchased one for each and was a glad I did.  Patatas bravas, a chopped salad, and cheesecake are also among the menu choices.  This is the first time I’ve encountered cocktails that are canned in house.  I chose an 8-ounce Passion Fruit Moscow Mule made with fresh organic ingredients--vodka, lime, ginger, passion fruit, aromatic bitters--that was just the right amount for two people.  I took my order home to share with my husband, and we quite enjoyed trying one empanada at a time while we watched CNN.  Another good option is to take your order to nearby Washington Park and enjoy a picnic.  Parklet space is also available.

menu at Little Red Window in San Francisco, California

empanadas from Little Red Window in San Francisco, California

empanadas and canned cocktail from Little Red Window
in San Francisco, California

2021 pandemic update:  This colorful place opened mid-pandemic and so began with to-go service only.  So the update is that the restaurant portion is now open.  Red Window is now serving tapas, including pintxos--a single-bite snack, and a new Sherry Cobbler cocktail consisting of a Sherry blend plus pureed peaches and figs.  

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images ©2021 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

San Francisco: Shake Shack + Indie Superette; restaurant reviews

San Francisco

Shake Shack  

3060 Fillmore St./Filbert St., 1 blk. N of Union St., (415) 405-4618.  Daily 11am-10pm.  

exterior of Shake Shack in San Francisco, California

Situated in a large corner space, this import from NYC provides spacious indoor and outdoor seating.  My go-to at Shake Shack is the ShackBurger with a side of crinkle-cut fries and a black-and-white shake.  The burger comes without onions, so make a request if you want them.  And if you like pickles, remember to ask for a complimentary side of them--they are dill and delish.  Use the Shake Shack app to order in advance, or step up to one of the screens at the counter on site.  

entrance to Shake Shack in San Francisco, California

lunch tray at Shake Shack in San Francisco, California

2021 pandemic update:  All protocols are observed.  However, in the restroom the sink faucet was not operating and there was no hand sanitizer provided there.  The parklet here is nicely designed, with large picnic tables in each space separated by wood and plastic window-topped surrounds.  Unfortunately, it is positioned in the shade, and on a sunny late morning my husband did complain about how cold it was. 

parklet with parking meter at Shake Shack in San Francisco, California

Indie Superette  

(628) 222-6642.  Daily 8am-6pm.  

Situated adjacent to Shake Shack in this mini food hall, this health-focused market offers grab-and-go and an extensive vegetarian menu.  Think fresh cold pressed juice, cleansing kombucha on tap, and bowls of superfoods.

interior of Indie Superette in San Francisco, California

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images ©2021 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Walnut Creek: Heather Farm Park + Gardens at Heather Farm; things to do

Greater East Bay

Heather Farm Park 

301 N. Carlos Dr., off Ygnacio Valley Rd., (925) 943-5858. Daily dawn-dusk. Free. Dogs ok. 

This city park is aimed at locals, with volleyball courts, tennis courts, baseball and softball fields, a colorful and extensive playground, a skate park, an equestrian center, and a dog park, as well as a nature preserve, fishing pond, and duck pond. Whew! At Heather Farm Park, it’s first come, first served for the picnic areas, except for one group area that can be reserved. A road loops conveniently through the facilities, and there are plenty of places to park. 

memorial rock in Gardens at Heather Farm in Walnut Creek, California

Gardens at Heather Farm  

1540 Marchbanks Dr./Ygnacio Valley Rd., (925) 947-1678. Open daily dawn to dusk. Free. 

overview of gardens in Heather Farm Park in Walnut Creek, California

Part garden, part education center, and operated by a non profit, the Gardens at Heather Farm adjacent space is independent of the park and is dedicated to sharing knowledge about horticulture and conservation. A 6-acre garden is adjacent to the park’s west side and includes a sensory section with plants that can be touched and smelled, an English lawn garden, a rose garden with more than 1,000 bushes, and a Children’s Adventure Garden. A tranquil lagoon and nature preserve is home to a variety of waterfowl. 

2021 pandemic update: For current information, click here. 

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images ©2021 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Lafayette: Johnny’s Donuts; restaurant review

Greater East Bay

Johnny’s Donuts  

3629 Mt. Diablo Blvd., (925) 283-9352.  Cash only.  M-Sat 5am-5:30pm, closed Sun.  

exterior of Johnny's Donuts in Lafayette, California

Situated in a strip mall at the west end of town, this modest little spot has been voted to have the “best donut” in town, and even in the entire Bay Area.  Counter seating and a few booths are available at Johnny's Donuts.  I ordered a delicious strawberry-frosted-with-sprinkles cake doughnut that was definitely delish, and my husband was delighted with his old-fashioned.  Of course, sometimes they run out of your favorite, so consider calling in ahead and have your order put aside.  The chocolate raised is their best seller.  On my to-try list is the cinnamon roll, which has been described as “the best ever,” and the maple long John filled with custard.  

interior of Johnny's Donuts in Lafayette, California

donut case at Johnny's Donuts in Lafayette, California

donut menu at Johnny's Donuts in Lafayette, California

2021 pandemic update:  Order to go.  We ate our donuts at home, when we discovered we had been treated to two donut holes.  

donuts from Johnny's Donuts in Lafayette, California

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images ©2021 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Berkeley: Fournee Bakery; restaurant review

80 North

Fournee Bakery  

2912 Domingo Ave., (510) 549-9434.  Tu-Sat 8am-6pm, Sun 8am-3pm.  

exterior line at Fournee Bakery in Berkeley, California

The line at Fournee Bakery is always out the door and around the corner.  And for good reasons, among them that the pastry dough is amazingly light and flaky.  I was planning out several meals with my order.  For an afternoon snack I selected a dense and delicious seasonal fruit scone.  For dinner for two, I chose two superb ham-and-Manchego cheese croissants (I zapped them in the microwave for 20 seconds) and for dessert a hazelnut-chocolate-oatmeal cookie that we shared.  For the next day’s breakfast, it was a morning bun and a regular croissant because they were out of almond croissants (next time I will order ahead).  On my next visit I will order pretty much the same, but I plan to also add in a baguette, a loaf of wheat bread, and a cheese roll. Note that you can order ahead and then enter the store via a special line that provides you faster check out.  

interior of Fournee Bakery in Berkeley, California

pastries from  Fournee Bakery in Berkeley, California

2020 pandemic update:  Only two customers are permitted inside at the same time.  Plastic barriers protect customer from server, and hand sanitizer is provided at the door.  Though the service was in no way exceptional a tip seemed to be expected, which I found annoying because I have never before tipped at a bakery.  I did wind up adding a small tip to my credit card payment, but only as a nod to these difficult times.  

exterior line at Fournee Bakery in Berkeley, California

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images ©2021 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Cayucos: Honey Girl Cafe; restaurant review

1 South

Honey Girl Cafe  

14 N Ocean Ave #122, (805) 900-5193.  Daily from 6:30 am.  

exterior of Honey Girl Cafe in Cayucos, California

The small Honey Girl Cafe offers a breakfast menu that includes espresso drinks, breakfast bowls, bagels, a basic smoothie, pastries, and muffins.  We ordered an acai bowl that was loaded with fresh fruit (blueberries, strawberries, and banana), a bagel with lox and trimmings, a lemon-poppy seed muffin, and coffees--all delicious.  This seemed straight-forward but took a long, long time for the spacey, bland baristas to accomplish.  I wish I’d left out the smoothie because it was made with packaged juice.  In an effort to get some fresh fruit into it, I asked them to add a banana (which cost additional, though that wasn’t mentioned until I saw the receipt).  One interesting thing though, the server put the mixer into a special cabinet and shut the door and the mixing noise was stifled immensely.  The lesson I learned here is to order simple if you are in a hurry--perhaps just a pastry and coffee.  Made-to-order sandwiches are available at lunch.  

interior and menu at Honey Girl Cafe in Cayucos, California

2020 pandemic update:  I love that this sweet spot is located just across the street from the motel I was staying at.  However, I did not love that they don’t have a website with a menu and don’t answer their phone.  I had been hoping to place an order to pick up.  Instead, it took about 30 minutes to complete the order on site.  And after all that, they didn’t bother to pack it up in a bag so that I could easily carry it away.  I had to ask them to do that, and then they put it in a hard-to-manage box.  Also, unfortunately, a group of old-timers were seated inside.  But fortunately, they were in the back, though several were not wearing masks and they had to pass waiting customers as they left.  The space inside for waiting is minimal, so we had to wait outside in the cold.  

boxed breakfast from Honey Girl Cafe in Cayucos, California

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images ©2021 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Cayucos: Schooners; restaurant review

1 South

Schooners  

171 N Ocean Ave., (805) 995-3883.  L-D daily; $$.  Reservations advised.  

exterior of Schooners in Cayucos, California

Situated near the pier and offering an ocean view, Schooners features a nautical theme with a rustic woodsy decor.  It brings to mind an old-time seafront.  The restaurant has plenty of sheltered outdoor dining.  Our table was out on a spacious second-floor terrace equipped with heaters and expansive windows, but unfortunately we were too late to enjoy the sunset so we looked out to darkness.  But that’s not to say we didn’t have a great time.  Turns out the music system seemed to be set to the ‘60s, so we were having a blast identifying songs by Steppenwolf, Jimi Hendrix, and more from the era.  This popular restaurant is known for its cocktails and seafood, but salads, burgers, and steaks also populate the menu.  We started with delicious Mouse Rock Mai Tais, which were so good and relaxing that we later ordered up a second round.  Their deliciousness comes from Appleton Estate rum, housemade orgeat, Orange Curaçao, and fresh lime.  Drinks here really are exceptional, and I plan to come back to try the Jalapeño-Pineapple Margarita and the Frothy Colada.  Because we shared everything, we got to try more items.  For the Cayucos Salad starter--a mix of lettuces with avocado, tomatoes, carrots, celery, cucumber, and red onion--the cilantro-lime-mango dressing was so tasty that we threw calorie cares to the wind and asked for additional.  Crab cakes followed and included a side of more salad, though this one was enhanced with roasted corn and black beans.  The main-course halibut and chips was crispy-fried and satisfying(, but the chips were actually French fries.  Because it was my husband’s birthday, we selected for dessert the house specialty “Cayookie” to sub in as cake.  This over-the-top confection is in reality a cookie baked in and served in a small black iron skillet and topped with vanilla ice cream.  

Mai Tais at Schooners in Cayucos, California

Cayucos Salad at Schooners in Cayucos, California

Cayookie dessert at Schooners in Cayucos, California

2020 pandemic update:  Schooners has plenty of open-air dining space on both the first and second levels.  Tables are well spaced, and the wait staff wears masks and makes an effort to observe social distancing.  The menu is currently abbreviated, and cocktails to go are contained in glass Mason jars.  You can also visit Schooners virtually by attending one of its twice-monthly virtual happy hours.  

patio dining at Schooners in Cayucos, California

dining on upstairs deck at Schooners in Cayucos, California

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images ©2020 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Cayucos: Shoreline Inn; hotel review

 1 South

Shoreline Inn  

1 North Ocean Ave., (800) 549-2244, (805) 995-3681.  29 rooms.  Continental breakfast.  Some gas fireplaces.  Pets ok.  

Christmas lights at Shoreline Inn in Cayucos, California

Family owned and operated since 1981, this well-situated Shoreline Inn motel offers guest rooms with a view of the sand and surf.  A string of rooms in the original two-story strip motel all open to the ocean.  A rectangle of grass is immediately outside the first-floor rooms (perfect for children and dogs), and a staircase leads down to the sand.  First-floor rooms also have Adirondack chairs right outside the sliding glass door.  Upstairs beachfront units have private balconies.  Since you can park your car right outside your room, unloading is particularly easy.  A second building offers units that are a little posher and some have gas fireplaces.  An area with picnic tables and barbecue facilities is provided.  All this and it’s green, with solar panels providing most of the inn's power.  In December, this inn lights up with a dense, colorful holiday light display that is truly breathtaking. 

front exterior at Shoreline Inn in Cayucos, California

exterior of strip motel at Shoreline Inn in Cayucos, California

guest room in strip motel at Shoreline Inn in Cayucos, California

beach at Shoreline Inn in Cayucos, California

sunset over ocean at Shoreline Inn in Cayucos, California

2020 pandemic update:  Covid safety procedures are in effect.  A breakfast is no longer served.  Upon arrival, I opened the window and sliding door (they each have a screen) and found that allowed for plenty of ventilation in the room.  When my husband unwittingly also opened the front door, the resulting suction pulled out all the air and put my always-present virus concerns to rest.  For breakfast, Honey Girl Cafe is right across the street.  We brought our order back to our room and enjoyed it leisurely at our room’s convenient dining table while listening to the surf.  For dinner, Schooners restaurant is an easy two-block walk away. 

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images ©2020 Carole Terwilliger Meyers