Seafood in North Beach

I met my friend Lori for an Italian seafood dinner one evening in December at Sotto Mare in San Francisco's North Beach. It was one of those cold, inky-black nights. The interior was warm, cozy, and well-loved.

We started with the clam chowder, which being hot and creamy was especially satisfying coming in from the cold.

I continued the clam theme with Linguine with Clams. It was perfect. The linguine was perfectly al dente, and the clam sauce was classically good.

Lori chose Prawn Saute which she enjoyed, including the fresh steamed vegetables which were a colorful and delicious accompaniment. I would certainly revisit this restaurant again for it's solidly good food and friendly ambiance.

Daniel's Birthday

Again rolls around Daniel's birthday, and this time he chose Zachary's Chicago Pizza in Berekely as the venue to gather his friends. I've heard nothing but good things about Zachary's since moving here in 1997, and somehow I'd never made it there until now. Partly it could be that I've never been a fan of Chicago style thick pizza... seems sooo heavy. It's a good thing to go somewhere despite your preconceived notions, since the pizza was fabulous!

The interior walls are well covered with awards and amusing posters about eating at Zachary's.

Daniel ordered four large pizzas, Mediterranean, Super Veggie,

Spinach Mushroom, and Roasted Red Pepper. All were delicious according to my tastebuds, and reports of the other 9 people around the table.

Here's a close up of my slice of Super Veggie. It was so stuffed with vegetables that it lightened it up.

Miraculously, I found a no sugar added pecan pie after search four bakeries for something non-sugar per Daniel's request. The ingredient list ready rather spookily, but it actually tasted quite fine. We had a little fun with Daniel's candles. Happy Birthday Daniel!

Great pasta!

Jo-Ann and I got together for a girls night out at Vin Antico in San Rafael. We came early and were the first diners to arrive that evening. The staff was very welcoming. The ambiance of the restaurant itself is very warm and inviting.

I felt like some greens, so started with their classic Caesar Salad. It is a large portion with a generous amount of shaved Parmasean. I enjoyed it!

For the main course, I chose the "Strangled Priest". It won out over other selections because of the intriguing name. The Strozzapretti pasta consisted of sauteed mushrooms, spinach, shaved ricotta salata, garlic, and toasted pine nuts. The name comes from the open tubes that are said to resemble priest's collars. The pasta was tender, the other ingredients fresh, and the whole dish melded together deliciously!

Jo-Ann chose the Peposo Delicato which is a kind of lasagne with green peppercorn braised pork shoulder layered between fresh pasta in garlic broth. She enjoyed the dish although she thought the pasta in mine was slightly sweeter and better. She also thought that the pork preparation was a bit more 'sour' than she is used to having. Not in a bad way, but a different taste sensation.

The whiteness of the cup made it difficult to get a well focused photograph of this awesome Affogato. It was artfully served, and the dish consisting of espresso poured over mascarpone gelato, with house made biscotti cookie was really a wonderful contrast in tastes.

I was intrigued by the description of the Tramezzino Gelato: "Hazelnut gelato sandwiched between chocolate drizzled piselli cookies, topped with honey and crushed hazelnuts." It sounded delicate and delicious, so I was prepared for the deliciousness, but not for the large size of the dessert. Jo-Ann and I both approved of this one. It was a 10! The piselli cookies are a crisp lightly sweet waffle type cookie, and the hazelnut gelato was smooth, creamy and everything you dream of in a gelato. Vin Antico is a wonderful place to have a special evening!

Restaurant Inspection Results

Critical: 0

Noncritical: 0

Last inspected: 4/29/2009

Previously reviewed:
July 19, 2008

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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

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Lovely brunch

I was treated to brunch at Piazza d'Angelo in Mill Valley by some good friends one recent Sunday. We had a peaceful corner to ourselves (once the music from a speaker directly overhead was turned down). There were quite a number of delicious-sounding menu items, but we managed to choose.

Michael and I both chose the Wild Mushroom Frittata. We were being particularly precise about our opinions on the frittata. Michael thought it was a bit thin and overcooked, it could have been made a little fluffier for his taste. Personally, I was looking for the mushrooms. It didn't contain many to carry the moniker "Wild Mushroom Frittata". I thought the addition of the potatoes on the top was particularly decorative.

Michael's wife ordered the Pan Fried Trout. It looked luscious! She loved it, and we decided it was the best dish at the table.

Their older daughter was in the mood for veggies, so ordered a Grilled Vegetable Platter. She asked the waiter for some Parmesan and made quite a tasty and healthy dish for herself.

The younger one thought the Omelette Campagnolo sounded good with its filling of onion, mushrooms, bell peppers, fresh tomato, basil and mozzarella cheese. She asked them to leave out the mushrooms, however it was served with mushrooms when it came. Our waiter was new to the restaurant so was still getting used to things. She just removed them and was ok about it.

Since it was a bit of an occasion we shared a couple of desserts. The first was a feather-light yet creamy Tiramisu. The chocolate shavings on the top gave it an extra air of festivity, and of course we chocolate lovers dove in!

The other dessert was an open pastry puff with pineapple flavored cream. There were small chunks of pineapple in the filling. It was light and sweetly satisfying. I was having difficulty with getting a good shot of this without shadows, so Michael took the photo on my camera from a different angle. Although there were some glitches in our service, having been here many times it was definitely the exception and I would not hesitate to come here again for delicious Italian food.

Restaurant Inspection Results

Critical: 1

Noncritical: 1

Last inspected: 7/21/2008

Previously reviewed:
November 7, 2007
April 27, 2007

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The opportunity presents itself

Yesterday I asked my Dad whether he'd like to eat dinner in, or out. He said that he was in the mood for pizza, so seizing the opportunity we tried the three-week old Moe Moe's in San Rafael. The pizza place has been repainted in bright yellow, and make 'cleaner' looking. There are sports posters and a flatscreen in the corner playing whatever game happens to be on. The owner's name is Moe believe it or not.

Dad and I tried Dandoona and the Veggies Pizza. It was a mad mix of all kinds of veggies: Feta cheese, Basil, Red & Green Bell Peppers, Mushrooms, Zucchini, Spinach, Crushed Garlic, Artichoke Hearts, Black Olives, Roma Tomatoes on a red sauce. The crust was medium thickness with a distinct crispness at the bottom. We liked it! We'll come back.

Restaurant Inspection Results

So new, it has neither been listed or inspected! It will appear on this page when listed.

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Scenic brunch

Sunday morning was misty. Dad and I decided to make it special by trying out Piatti's brunch. Piatti's is just around the corner from us in Mill Valley. We arrived a few minutes after their opening at 10:00, and were told that we were their first guests of the day. Naturally we had a choice spot by the window!

As quick as a wink our mochas and bread basket came to the table. The bread basket contained a variety of morning breads, sweet and croissant. These were each cut in two for easy sharing. We could have polished off the basket with our mocha and said that we had a great breakfast. But we ordered real breakfast dishes!

Dad had two scrambled eggs with applewood smoked bacon. He said it was first class!

The waitress admitted to a bout of brain-freeze when she served me something I did not order. What she slipped in front of me was the Uova Milanese, or two eggs fried with breadcrumbs, asparagus, Parmesan and roasted potatoes. She said that she would just give it to me, box it, as she'd have to just toss it otherwise. So I nibbled on the asparagus while my real dish was being prepared. I had the eggs at home for dinner - wow. I would have never guessed what adding a few breadcrumbs to the top of fried eggs would do. It was great, even reheated.

In short order the dish that I actually ordered arrived. Two poached eggs on Parmesan polenta with spinach and wild mushrooms and marinara sauce. The polenta was a soft cloud, and it really should have been served with a spoon as dripping would be unavoidable. And you wouldn't want to miss a drop! I found myself sopping up the juices with a croissant that was in the bread basket. The wild mushrooms were of the cremini variety. I loved this dish! If I were recommending a little getaway in Mill Valley, I'd recommend staying at the Aqua Hotel, then walking over for brunch at Piatti's.

And the view is lovely too, even on a gray and misty day. It just looks mysterious then.

Restaurant Inspection Results

Critical: 2
Noncritical: 2
Last inspected: 10/29/2008

Previously reviewed:
December 27, 2007
March 2, 2007

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A hopping Sausalito Breakfast Place

I stopped by Taste of Rome in Sausalito the other day. One of those mornings that had a cool start and you know fall is coming around the corner. It was already quite the happening place with lots of folk with fork in one hand, MacBook Pro open in front of them. Others preferred a more convivial start to morning and were chatting to neighbors.

I decided it was time to try the Veggie Benedict. The first time around, there was a little glitch as a regular Eggs Benedict with rounds that looked like ham sticking out had an attempted delivery... I was so hungry and it looked SO good I almost became a carnivore for a meal. However I did bring it to their attention and as quick as a wink there was an apology and a very delicious freshly squeezed orange juice came my way on the house. They certainly had the guest relations down that morning, although I wouldn't expect anything other than what I actually ordered delivered as soon as they could. And soon enough the most delectable Veggie Benedict arrived. Poached eggs over sauteed spinach and mushrooms with a very tasty Hollandaise sauce. The eggs were cooked medium and the potatoes were perfect. There were two generous slices of fresh, sweet fruit on the plate as well. I enjoyed my meal and was very satisfied with how they turned things around with the mistake so quickly. I'll be back, friends in tow for another breakfast in the near future.

Restaurant Inspection Results

Critical: 1
Noncritical: 4
Last inspected: 1/7/2009

Previously reviewed:
December 5, 2008

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Predictably tasty

There are a lot of good coupon deals floating about at the moment. Recently there was an offer by Pasta Pomodoro for a buy one entree, get one free. At lunchtime, you buy one lunch special, and the other one comes free (equal or lesser value naturally). Dad and I took advantage of this to revisit Pasta Pomodoro in Mill Valley's Strawberry Village.

The focaccia bread came out promptly, and was fresh and the pairing with the pesto olive oil mixture was great.

We both had a cup of the minestrone soup. The cup size is a normal restaurant's bowl. Pasta Pomodoro's Minestrone Soup is substantial enough to make a meal of with some of the focaccia bread.

I had Ravioli di Magro as my main course. It was spinach and ricotta ravioli with the pomodoro sauce. It was hot, filling and the taste satisfied.

Dad's eyes lit up as he glanced over the menu and saw the Steak Panini. Obviously, that's what he ordered, and it was so big, he had half at a subsequent meal at home. It looked quite good and the chef cooked it medium well, just as ordered. Pasta Pomodoro delivers consistent quality in a casual environment which can scale up to a bit dressier at the Mill Valley location. We enjoy our visits here!

Restaurant Inspection Results

Critical: 1
Noncritical: 1
Last inspected: 7/2/2009

Previously reviewed:
June 19, 2007

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Reliable Pizza

Dad, Daniel & I had lunch yesterday at Rocco's Pizza & Pasta in Mill Valley. I had clipped a coupon from a ValPak set that came in the mail the other day for $6 off an XLarge pizza and thought it an opportune time to use it. The restaurant was clean and bright and the manager greeted us enthusiastically.

We gave him a very complicated order. Half Greek and half vegetarian, with a twist. Daniel hates black olives, so we asked all the black olives be put on half of each half. He got it. So the slightly strange appearance of the above pizza was our fault entirely. And we all agreed it was delicious! The crust was wonderful. It had spring and was a perfect foil for the toppings. If the menu seems vaguely familiar, it's because Rocco's is owned by the same person who owns Stephano's. The menu also includes some salads, sandwiches and pasta.

Restaurant Inspection Results

Critical: 1
Noncritical: 0
Last inspected: 4/21/2009

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Conserva the fresh taste

I had the gift of being at loose ends one recent Saturday at lunchtime, and thought I'd revisit Pizza Antica in Mill Valley's Strawberry Village. It was a nice day and everyone inside and out seemed to be in a mellow mood.

What I was in the mood for was light and simple. Knowing that the portions of salads here were quite large, although it was not an option listed on the menu, I asked the waitstaff if I could have a half-order of the salad. "Sure", she said with a smile. And out came the most perfectly dressed, fresh and crisp half Caesar salad!

For the main event, I ordered the Spaghettini with Tomato Conserva, Garlic and Basil. Wow! I was a little leery since there was a bit of mental connection between something called 'conserva' and 'canned'. If that sauce was canned, I hope they have a patent on the methodology because the sauce was concentrated without tasting acidic, rather tasting like there were very fresh tomatoes in it. I was happy with my lunch!

Restaurant Inspection Results
Critical: 1
Noncritical: 0
Last inspected: 2/9/2009

Previously reviewed:
February 19, 2009
November 6, 2008
July 12, 2007

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Great Pasta!

I was swooning over a pasta experience I recently had to my friend Caren the other day, and she got excited for me to try her favorite pasta place, Angelino in Sausalito. I've been to Angelino in Sausalito previously, and thoroughly enjoyed the romantic atmosphere and delicious seafood I had, however I hadn't tried the pasta.

I tried one of my favorites, Linguine con Vongole. My dish was one of the few pasta dishes on the menu where the pasta wasn't housemade. It was still good, cooked to the perfect al dente and flavored with a fragrant broth of the fresh clams. Yes, I could immediately see why Angelino is Caren's favorite pasta place.

Caren chose to have Pappardelle with Bolognese Sauce, one of the pastas that was house made. Now she was swooning! The papparadelle on the menu that evening came with a different sauce, but the chef was very gracious to change it to Caren's favorite at her request.

And still wanting to talk and catch up including her past and future adventures with her husband Emil who is a dedicated marathon runner and fundraiser with an eye to freeing people from extreme poverty, we decided to treat ourselves to dessert and coffee. We shared the desserts, the first being scoops of Raspberry and Mango sorbet. It was delectable!

We also tried the Almond Torte with Apricots and Vanilla Ice Cream. This was definitely a keeper. The contrast of the marzipan like soft torte with the peak season fresh apricots was wonderful. The service was well paced and with just the right amount of friendliness.

Restaurant Inspection Results

Critical: 1

Noncritical: 6

Last inspected: 1/2/2009

Previously reviewed:
May 15, 2007

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