Virbrant way to start the day

The staff welcomes you warmly, echoing the rich hues of the walls and deep wood tones of the tables. It's great to feel enveloped in good cheer first thing in the morning! We didn't arrive at the Barefoot Cafe when it opened at 7 a.m. but soon after. The Barefoot Cafe is conveniently located just across from the big open parking area in Fairfax, and right on the main road in and out of town.

I was drawn to their Spinach and Mushroom Frittata. It is one of the breakfast items which does not come with toast, however it comes with a couple of housemade salsas that are quite fresh and a taste pick me up for the egg dish.

Dad wanted something simple, so he ordered the Eggs with Turkey Sausage Patty. His came with wheat toast and breakfast potatoes. It was a generous portion and Dad said it was very good, and the eggs tasted like the ones he had growing up. I wish this place were closer as I would make it a point to enjoy the wonderful food and atmosphere at the Barefoot Cafe.

Restaurant Inspection Results

Critical: 1

Noncritical: 0

Last inspected: 10/1/2009

Previously reviewed:
February 25, 2008

Find address/phone number/directions on Anna's Map.

Good memories

I've been in denial. Bookbeat was such a great community place, and I enjoyed a period of time soaking in its atmosphere and enjoying its community events. But, it did close last month, a fact that I was reminded of by a Fairfax resident and friend who was giving me a few tips about the Fairfax scene. Rumor has it that a French cafe is going to open up in its place.

Fairfax find

Last month Dad and I made it over to Fairfax and found that Szechuan Chef was open. It is not open for lunch, so I've had to wait for a dinner time to try it. There are cheerful prints for the tablecloths, as well as window dressing. It seemed more popular as a take-out the night we were there as there were only a couple other parties there besides ourselves, and not at the same time. There were at least 10 parties grabbing take out bags when we were there. Although bright, the tables were in a bit of dissarray with the tablecloths on some tables rather wrinkled and skewed.

We chose to have a family style dinner option, so a very tasty and hot appetizer of spring rolls came out first.

Then our seaweed soup came out. We were shocked at the size of it. It had a nice flavor but we could have made an entire meal just from the eggrolls and soup. The photo is just my serving of it.

The first entree to come out was the Empress Prawns. I asked for mildly spicy, and the chef hit it right on. These prawns are VERY garlicky. However mixed with the carrots, bamboo shoots and sliced water chestnuts it was quite a hit with Dad and I. And we weren't going to visit anyone that night, so the garlic was just a healthy add.

The other entree we had was Vegetable Chow Mein. The vegetables were fresh and flavorful and the chow mein was perfectly al dente with just the right amount of sauce. I'd order this again in a heartbeat. We were also served by the owners son, who was very pleasant, friendly and added a positive note to our visit. I wouldn't take a date here, but for take out or a very casual (and cheap) family dinner it stacks up quite well.

Restaurant Inspection Results
Critical: 0
Noncritical: 4
Last inspected: 3/11/2009

Find address/phone number/directions on Anna's Map.

Waking Up

The Sleeping Lady offers brunch on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. so Dad and I made it over there early one sunny weekend morning. The woman who greeted and seated us, and later served us was so very charming and welcoming that the first impression of service was highly positive. Here the emphasis is clearly on the evenings, music and night showcasing of talent as evidenced by no food menus on their website, only drink menus and music calendar! However, the breakfast experience was clearly well thought out and executed as well.

I was clearly drawn to the tofu scramble. Wow! Someone who appreciates vegetarian cuisine clearly created this medley. The tofu blocks were flavored and fried separately before being combined with sweet onions, peppers, spinach and other vegetables with eggs and cheese. I would come back just for this dish. The red potato home fries were also delightful with a nice potato-y softness and a browned outside.

Dad spied just the combo for him on the menu, pancakes with two eggs and bacon. It was right-sized for him and he loved it. I can see we are coming back other weekends already! Although perhaps I will make it back first for their evening music scene.

Restaurant Inspection Results
Critical: 0
Noncritical: 4
Last inspected: 12/10/2008

Previously mentioned:
June 24, 2008

Warming up the gloom

Hasn't it been gloomy, now rainy here in Marin this week? I popped in the Fairfax neighborhood to see how The Sleeping Lady was progressing, and found it has yet to open, and the windows still covered in paper. So knowing that Cafe Lotus uses local and organic ingredients, and my last experience was so good thought I'd try it for lunch. And there was a little sandwich board in front, proclaiming a lunch special for $5.49.

I didn't choose the $5.49 special, I chose the Chole Bhuture for $5.99. It features a fried wheat bread, basmati rice, garbanzo curry and dahi. The garbanzo beans were well paired with spices and tomatoes, a flavorful and impressive dish. And the rest were perfect foils to it. I'd come here anytime. The service was very prompt and pleasant as well.

Previously reviewed:
March 19, 2008

Italian Hobbit House

When I walked to the door of the Sorella Caffe, I had the distinct feeling of leaving this world and entering an Italian Hobbit house. Cozy and charming, this place held nothing but pleasant surprises.

First comes an array of complimentary appetizers. Green olives, bread, butter and a 'gouge' of real Parmesan cheese from a HUGE cheese wheel that is walked around the restaurant by the waitstaff. A nice welcome indeed!

I ordered the Eggplant Parmigiana for my entree. The accompanying vegetables were cooked hot/crisp and were very fresh. The parmigiana was so rich, I could only finish about a third of it. It was delicious.

Just when you think you have finished, out comes twin parfait dishes with gummy bears and cookies - chocolate chip and animal cookies! Not haute cuisine, but a cute gesture. I thoroughly enjoyed the meal here and will definitely visit again!

Consider the price

China Village in Fairfax shocked me with the low prices on a lunch plate. I had other things on my mind, so I don't remember how much my particular dish was, but it was only a bit more than some of the standard chicken and beef dishes that ran from about $5.55. No kidding.

All the lunch specials came with hot and sour soup. The broth was flavorful (remember, I don't like hot & sour soup!), and there was a generous lump of tofu in it. Unfortunately, there was a lack of other ingredients in the soup.

I had sweet and sour shrimp with fried rice for my main, and it came with a small crab ragoon. The crab ragoon had a nice bite of smooth and creamy crab inside, and the flavor of the sweet and sour shrimp was good. The fried rice was lacking vegetables. All I could decipher were threads of cabbage and fried egg strands. So it wasn't terribly exciting, but it was fresh and filling. If you are looking for a very cheap price point, they do a good job in getting hot, fresh and rather tasty food in front of you. I personally would choose to pay a bit more and have a little more added into the ingredients. However, some who are on tight budgets may well appreciate a meal out that is acceptable and filling.

Farewell Cafe Amsterdam

The scoop is posted on the windows of the old Cafe Amsterdam in Fairfax.

Cafe Amsterdam is no more, however, the original founder of Cafe Amsterdam with a partner are opening up the same venue as "The Sleeping Lady". Stay tuned!

Family Pizza

I enjoyed the fun family atmosphere over at Ghiringhelli's Pizzeria & Wine Bar in Fairfax with Dad the other night. It was one of those times when you feel transported back to a nostalgic small-town happy time.

Dad & I thought the pink lemonade at $5 a pitcher a bargain, then gasped when it came to the table. It was a BIG pitcher, and the photo here is with two large glasses already poured! Needless to say, we could hardly make a dent in it.

We ordered one of the thin crust artisan pizzas, the Funghi Misti. It was a unanimous hit, and the friendly waitress agreed with our choice being one of the best. The red onions and fresh thyme added to the roasted wild mushrooms was a fabulous combination. I wouldn't hesitate to come here again for a casual meal, and cute kiddie watching.

Anyone have the scoop?

The last few times I've been in Fairfax, I've noticed a 'closed' sign on Cafe Amsterdam's door. Anyone have the scoop on this? I've heard this is temporary, but no timing nor why...

Dining among books

I've always liked the Bookbeat in Fairfax, and I've discovered that they serve breakfast every day from 7 a.m.! I spent more time there when it was more bookstore than cafe, and in the evening I've attended some live music when friends were playing there. I read in the Marin IJ that the owner is looking for a buyer. I confirmed that it's still on the market for the right buyer. I sat with a pot of tea and thought about what it would be like to be the owner/proprietor of a place so rich with literature, art, music, and even food.

Although it was closer to lunchtime than breakfast, I tried their veggie breakfast croissant which was 'way cool' in a hot sort of way. Well, the egg filling and croissant were hot, and the vegetables colorful and crisp from the cooler. Organic too I believe. I toyed with the idea of staying here and working, even taking out my laptop and availing myself of their blazing fast Hi-speed Wi-Fi Internet access. I had a lot of writing tasks on my to-dos for the day, might be possible. Then I checked my voicemail. Message from a business partner in NYC. Hmm.. He may not understand the Cat Stevens "Moonshadow" music in the 'office'. So I came back to reality and off to Sausalito to make the call.

Green Friendly Brewpub

The weather has been quite summer-like! After a fun day at Marin French Cheese Company and browsing antique stores in Petaluma with Yukako and Mao on Saturday, Dad and I meandered over to Fairfax and drove by a most happening place. So we turned around, drove back and parked to try it out. Besides having great food and drink, Iron Springs Pub & Brewery is a green certified business, and has an interesting webpage of all the green efforts they've been making.

Having the most marvelous time with a dear friend who dropped by for an evening from parts mid-west, sharing all the marvelous dishes at Alegrias (a Spanish tapas place), veggie or not - I was sure to be completely veggie today. And I have to say that as a town I've found Fairfax to have the best veggie options as a whole of anywhere I've been in the US. That is, most restaurants have several veggie options which are actually appealing and tasty! Iron Springs was no exception with this Grilled Seasonal Vegetable Plate. I couldn't finish this big heap of wonderful flavors and textures! There were colorful grilled peppers, zucchini, eggplant, garlic mashed potatoes, crispy polenta and a garlic flavored mound of crisp green beans, bok choy and carrots. Kudos for making an array of flavors within the vegetables!

Dad was very happy with his Free Range Turkey Burger with fries. Iron Springs was filled to overflowing (to picnic tables on the sidewalk) with families, couples and everyone else enjoying what looked to be food bursting with flavor. The service was friendly and prompt and the atmosphere good. This experience is definitely worth repeating.

In search of Greek food

A friend of mine had a taste for Greek food and all I could think of in Marin County was Fair Fix in Fairfax. So we went to find that it was not Greek, but Mediterranean. Close enough for me, but not for my friend, so I made a mental note to come back and try it. Fair Fix has been a fixture (pun intended) for a long time in the community, and locals feel comfortable hanging out here with an eclectic mix of suits, barefeet in sandals and dreadlocks.

Noticing a Couscous plate on the menu brought me back to student days in Paris, enjoying couscous on the Left Bank. Unfortunately the comparison left this plate wanting. The couscous of my memory had flavorful stewed vegetables while these, although fresh and good quality, were rather watery and bland. The couscous rather than being a soft and fragrant foil for the vegetables was rather crunchy and tasted dry. I really loved the fresh carrot-orange-ginger juice though! It has other interesting Mediterranean dishes I'd like to come back and try. I understand Aroma Cafe in San Rafael is a sister cafe. The cafe is cash only, and they offer free Wi-Fi (it also occurs more as a coffee house than a cafe).

Natural & Organic Indian Cafe

Daniel and I went out for a late dinner the other evening, and made it even later by traveling to Fairfax, a very relaxing town with lots of options for the veggie lover. We smelled the wonderful aromas coming from Cafe Lotus and made it our destination.

Daniel was quite exuberant about the smoke arising off of the Seekh Kabab, minced natural lamb kabab with crushed onions, cilantro, and roasted cumin seed. From experience, I knew that it could be difficult to capture the moment of billowing smoke well, but I think it actually photographed pretty dramatically. He was quite loquacious about the flavorful lamb.

He ordered some brown rice as a side, which also tasted great (he shared some with me too).

I had the Saag Paneer, where the cheese part of the dish was made with fresh milk and tasted SO smooth and fresh. The spicing was right in the overall dish as well. Some restaurants make this one a little bland. It wasn't spicy hot, just well seasoned and you could tell that the spinach was fresh also.

I ordered some onion naan with mine, wow! It had a great texture and had that fresh bread appeal. This is a place I'll love to come back to.

Neighborhood Niche

I stopped in for breakfast at the Koffee Klatch the other day after being absent for a number of years. This place has a little history for me. My first visit was a few years ago when I met a man who I originally met via Match.com here, who did some research to find a fun place to meet before enjoying an annual fair in the nearby park. Although the meeting didn't blossom into a romance, I still have fond memories of the place and the day as he was a really nice man, just not enough chemistry. This time, rather than gazing into the eyes of a red-headed Celtic type, I observed the people around me and noticed that everyone was quite comfortable, whether the women with children, or the older folk. There were no generational conflicts here! Everyone was just made to feel at home by the busy waitress with a ready smile.

I happily noticed the section on the menu called "Veggie and Egg Scrambles" and ordered "Irlando's Favorite" from it. How could I resist something that had fresh herbs with garlic, onion, basil, oregano, black olives, spinach tomato and feta in it? It was a wonderful scramble, and the potatoes and wheat toast were also good. I'd come back here anytime, wish it were closer to Mill Valley!

Behind these pink walls lies some great food. Another foray into Fairfax, and I notice Siam Lotus is open for lunch. Friendly people and a well-cared for place greets me. A menu with a wide variety of choices soon lands in my hands.

Still being rather cold and rainy, I was attracted by the soups. The Tom-Ka Noodle soup looks particularly attractive, described as "rice noodle with tofu and seasonal vegetables in galanga coconut milk broth." I asked about the 'galanga', and was told that it is an herb in the ginger family. Whatever family it is, it works. this vegetable laden soup has a smooth and refreshing taste with loads of bright vegetables. I highly recommend it and this Thai oasis just across from Fairfax's main parking lot.

I love nice surprises. I drove to Fairfax for the fun of it one rainy day last week, and happened upon a restaurant I hadn't heard of yet. And I seem to have a left-looking neck freeze as when I drive into Fairfax from the east, I'm always looking towards the big parking space in the middle, rather than the charming businesses on the other side of the road. Barefoot Cafe is one of them.

I'm always looking this direction, which also happens to be the view out the door of the Barefoot Cafe.

I was pleased to see a whole section of vegetarian sandwiches, including this one, the mushroom sandwich. I had the bread toasted and ordered the recommended cream of artichoke soup. The soup was as fantastic as the waitress said. The sandwich was great as well. For me, vegetarian sandwiches can be hit or miss, but this one definitely was satisfying as a sandwich, with good flavor and texture. I took a peek at the dinner menu, seems to have a heavy Italian leaning. And the breakfast menu looked fabulous as well. It is open every day for breakfast! You know I'll be visiting again for it.

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And here is where I am tonight (Sunday) as I write this. I'm on the road, visiting a client south of here in the morning. If I can appropriately do it (I will be dining with the client), I'll blog a little later this week of my dining adventures here in Central California. A quick factoid - Selma, a city I passed on the way here has a big sign stating "Raisin Capital of the World" (see location on above map). A hint from my companion, and a little detective work found that indeed, this is an apt declaration as 90% of US raisins are produced within 8 miles of Selma! The US is the largest producer of raisins in the world, with Turkey ranking second. If you combine the production of the US and Turkey, it accounts for 80% of world raisin production!

Neighborhood Italian. Dad & I stopped in Fairfax for lunch the other day, finding a sweet neighborhood place which was cozy, tasty and had attentive service. Fradelizio's Ristorante Italiano is in an old home which has been remodeled into a warm and inviting place, a little like a visit to your grandma's.

Dad had a generously portioned fresh chicken breast sandwich with a colorful side salad.

I had a half asparagus salad. It was thoughtfully arranged and I could taste all the bright colors.

It was followed by their Capellini Napolitano. I very much enjoyed the mild and fresh tomato based sauce which was mild, yet flavored such that it wasn't 'flat'. It was a very nicely prepared dish. If craving Italian again in Fairfax, I'd definitely go again.