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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Will it thrive?

My friend Jo-Ann picked up this container loving tomato plant for me from one of the local Farmer's Markets back in May. Then I promptly got the H1N1 and it was left languishing in its little container until just a couple weeks ago. I noticed it was valiantly trying to grow a tiny tomato, so although very late, I potted it in a big container on my front desk. The tomato has at least doubled in size in the last two weeks, and another small one is generating itself on a leaf below.

I picked up a Plant Nanny as an experiment to see if a more even watering as the plant wants would help it. We'll keep a watch on it!

I'm afraid I was so caught up in getting to the latest of the Harry Potter series last night that I skipped a post. I will report that Harry Potter fans will love the Half-Blood Prince!

Vertical Integration

It isn't often that the service is so slow that I resort to reading the ketchup bottle, but the other night, it was. And I saw a little phrase on the back label that was new to me "*TOMATOES GROWN FROM HEINZ SEEDS". And wouldn't you know? HeinzSeed has 57 varieties of tomato seed!

And according to their site, they have been working with tomato varieties for a long time:

"The H.J. HEINZ Company began a tomato breeding program in 1936 at Bowling Green, Ohio, to improve yield and disease resistance. The program has been continuous since that time and has focused mainly on processing tomatoes adapted to the many countries where Heinz processes tomatoes."

It's one way to control quality. If only they'd go back to using real sugar...

New Bakery Cooperative

There is a new cooperative owned bakery coming to San Rafael - Arizmendi Bakery. It will be in the building in San Rafael that briefly housed the Taste of Rome. The "Tidbits" section of the Marin IJ ran an informative story about it this week. I've been to their Cheeseboard Pizza in Berkeley before but not to the bakery. The pizza was great!

Fresh water chestnuts are so enticing!

I had a craving for Tommy's Wok's fresh water chestnuts as part of dinner, so Dad and I headed off for Sausalito. Now if exiting on the Marin City/Sausalito Exit, if you wait to see the front entrance (above photo) on Bridgeway, you'll pass the entry to the parking lot by.

If you look for the back corner of the restaurant (above photo) you'll know that you need to turn into the entrance nearby. This short-circuits the u-turn route.

We started our meal with the Vegetarian Potstickers. These soft and yet crispy bites were accompanied by a sauce that has fresh grated ginger in it that complemented the vegetable flavors.

We had a lovely splurge on Lobster Tails with Garlic Noodles. This was light, flavorful and a wonderful bit to share between two.

And then the dish that I was craving came, that contains the fresh water chestnuts. The dish name is descriptive of its ingredients: Sautéed Fresh Water Chestnuts, Snow Peas, Shiitake Mushrooms & Abalone Mushrooms. Tommy's Wok introduced me to the delight of fresh water chestnuts and now I order dishes with them as often as I can. And I've not found them anywhere but Tommy's Wok so far...

We were going for variety that evening so also ordered Vegetables Fried Rice, and knew we'd be taking some home. The wok fried chunky fresh vegetables were a great change from what seems to be standard fried rice at other places.

Restaurant Inspection Results

Critical: 0

Noncritical: 0

Last inspected: 1/13/2009

Previously reviewed:
June 7, 2007
September 30, 2006

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Happy Eating

Joe's Taco Lounge in Mill Valley has always had a happy and bright vibe where nearly everyone feels comfortable, and moods automatically brighten once you step in the door. On this summer evening, Dad and I met friend Catrina for a dinner and catch up.

Catrina had these fabuolous Chicken Flautas. She said these were really good, and asked for another order as a take out for her husband who she was sure would love them too.

I had the Vegetarian Platter, which was colorful and delicious with a variety of items. A grilled pasilla chile, vegetable enchilada, salad, refried beans and rice all came artfully arranged. I added a side of sour cream. The pasilla was particularly interesting, stuffed with cornbread, chipolte, cheese and red pepper. I liked it.

Dad decided to go 'American' with a simple Grilled Chicken Sandwich and fries. He said that the spices sprinkled over the fries 'gives it a flavor', in a positive way! Joe's Taco Lounge is popular with bicyclists on weekends and families anytime.

Restaurant Inspection Results

Critical: 0

Noncritical: 0

Last inspected: 1/12/2009

Previously reviewed:
May 26, 2007

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Good Value Japanese

One of my friends Jo-Ann suggested that I revisit Taki in Novato as she'd been this spring, amidst a lot of reconstruction chaos and found that the restaurant was going out of its way to give great value meals.

I made the mistake the first time, going on a Monday when it was closed, and the whole shopping center looked condemned. It was all cordoned off and you had to drive around the service entrances in the back to even get to it. This photo was taken on the second try a few weeks later, and it was MUCH better. I really felt sorry for the businesses electing to stay as the mess had to discourage business unless you were a previous customer who KNEW it was still open.

But by the time I arrived the second trip the parking and nice cobblestone circle was complete.

Now the food was very tasty and was a good value. There was a lot of volume in all of our meals. Glen (who helps with Dad twice a week), Dad & I went together. First came a nice cabbage salad with a sweet soy dressing. We asked that the miso soup be served Japanese-style at the end of the meal instead of with the salad. However, we were so full at the end, that we asked for it in a to-go container. It was good even heated up the next day.

Glen had the Tonkatsu and Tempura combo, which also came with a big round mound of Asian cole slaw. He said it was great.

Dad enjoyed his Lemon Chicken, which had a sweet lemon sauce to dip or pour over a flattened and panko coated chicken breast which had been deep fried. It also had a huge mound of Asian slaw.

I enjoyed a Tempura and Salmon Teriyaki combination. It had the accompaniments mentioned above, and also my favorite takuan pickle, tomato and orange slice. The others had the same, and I particularly enjoyed the takuan and fresh orange refresher. The portions were very generous. There were three jumbo tempura'd prawns, most places only give you two. There was no skimping on any of our meals. The service was prompt and friendly in a subdued, Japanese way. We thoroughly enjoyed our dining experiene.

Restaurant Inspection Results

Critical: 0

Noncritical: 0

Last inspected: 5/20/2009

Previously reviewed:
January 3, 2007

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Who's got moussaka?

I recently made friends with an artist, Andi, who has been transplanted from Marin to British Colombia, Canada for a period of time, and who mentioned that she would miss moussaka when she returns to live here as we don't have any Greek restaurants. And that is true. However so very coincidentally, the same day she wrote me about it (yesterday) Dad and I went to lunch at the Rain Tree Cafe in Mill Valley.

And what did they have on their special Mediterranean menu rolled out earlier this year? Moussaka! Have I ever mentioned this dish is a weakness of mine? I thought I'd be clever and order it for Dad. ahh not. By the time it came, I knew it was destined for me. I now have a refill of B12. The bottom layer was made of thinly sliced potato, nestled atop the potato was sauteed eggplant and ground beef, with a creamy luscious bechamel sauce topping it off. And it was accompanied by a fresh mixed green salad, lightly dressed. I thoroughly enjoyed every part of this indulgence.

Meanwhile Dad ended up with the Veggie burger I had ordered for myself. Which he thoroughly enjoyed as well. It comes plainly served with condiments at the table to add to your taste. The wait service was well timed too. So there is at least one place in Marin where Andi can enjoy moussaka! And it may be the only one, as I called the usual suspects such as the Fair Fix Cafe in Fairfax, and checked The Garden in Novato's menu online and have yet to find another. If you know of someplace else serving moussaka in Marin, please write it in the comments so Andi has a choice when she returns home!

Restaurant Inspection Results

Critical: 0

Noncritical: 0

Last inspected: 4/20/2009

Previously reviewed:
March 15, 2009
September 7, 2007
March 7, 2007

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Choices in Indian Cuisine - Marin

Woman sorting Cardamom pods in Kerala

Photo credit: iStockphoto

We are lucky to have some wonderful choices of Indian cuisine in Marin County. Vegetarianism is widespread in India, and each restaurant has wonderful treats in store for those seeking a new take on vegetable-based dishes. Here is a summary of all the Indian restaurants in Marin.

Indian Restaurants I've explored

Fairfax
Cafe Lotus

Larkspur
Table Cafe

Mill Valley
Avatar's Punjab Burritos
India Palace

Novato
Anokha

San Rafael
Bombay Garden
India Village
Lotus Cuisine of India
Om South Indian Cuisine

Sausalito
Avatar's
Sartaj India Cafe

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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Music to a vegan mouth

One day I noticed Zoomie of Zoomie Station had put a note up about a enjoyable lunch with a friend on her Facebook status. I quickly commented back that I'd like to be on her luncheon list, and just that simply we organized a lunch together. She suggested Symphonie in Pt. Richmond, and I quickly agreed as I'm always up to try a new vegan/vegetarian place.

We instantly had lots to talk about and didn't look at the menu until the waiter came back a second time. It was an expansive menu with lots of intriguing choices! As soon as we'd ordered, a little Cabbage Slaw with an Asian dressing came by. I'd previously met Zoomie at a Food Bloggers Picnic she'd organized at her home and reached out to me as a nearby food blogger to attend. Of course there were lots of people there then, so this was a lovely opportunity to get to know Zoomie better.

As we enjoyed our Lentil Soup, we found out that we had many things in common, not the least of which was that we'd both lived in both Japan and France as students. The soup was good, but the company was proving to be even better. Ever notice how food tastes better with a great connection and conversation?

And along came our Spring Rolls, and I have to admit, these were a little bland, especially compared to our conversation of adventures in France!

Zoomie ordered the "BBQ Pork" Fried rice, and I'll have to say it looked tasty. Zoomie and I decided to post this week around the same time, and she beat me to it! You'll have to take a look at her take on the meal, she is local so she also has some interesting things to say about the history of the place as well.

I had the "Beef" Vermicelli, which consisted of strips of tasty seitan which had been infused with spices such that it had a very nice flavor, and the texture worked as well. If compared to real beef, the texture would be a little tough, but after lots of meals of silken tofu, I wasn't about to complain!

It was a lovely lunch and Zoomie and I agreed that we'd like to plan more together in the future!

I found that Contra Cost County also has an online Food Inspection site.

Restaurant Inspection Results
Last Inspected: 3/11/2009

Fresh

I must have missed Fresh, but there's always the DVD version!

Happy 4th of July!

photo credit: iStockphoto

Dad and I were invited to our friend Linda's in Glen Ellen for a BBQ. It was a beautiful day and we had a relaxing time enjoying good friends, food and watching the children swim!

Nautical Pizza

It seemed like every time I wanted to try out Waypoint Pizza in Tiburon, it was a Tuesday. Waypoint Pizza is closed on Tuesdays. Finally, I was with Dad in Tiburon on a Wednesday and we stopped in for a pizza.

It is so whimsical inside with a coastal theme; the menu is on the bottom of a boat, in chalk and there are umbrellas over some of the tables. It is a good place for kids; a mother was with her son to the side of us, and he was quite fascinated by the wooden pepper shaker in shape of a lighthouse. Then a gaggle of giggly girls came in, about six who probably had barely come into the 'teenage' years. Pretty soon a lone boy about their age started to come into the store and was greeted by a chorus of 'Hi Al-lan' (name changed to protect the guilty), to which he did a kind of sheepish moonwalk backwards out the door, never to be seen again at that lunch hour.

In the meantime, the Grilled Vegetable Pizza that we ordered came on a wooden paddle. The ingredients were good, and obviously fresh. However the tomatoes, zucchini, red peppers, eggplant, red onion were a tad on the cold side, seemingly pre-grilled and not reheated all the way. Probably had more healthy enzymes that way. We nevertheless enjoyed the meal and the atmosphere.

Restaurant Inspection Results
Critical: 1
Noncritical: 0
Last inspected: 3/30/2009

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Locals love it

Dad & I stopped by Poncho's Casa Manana in Tiburon for lunch the other day, and found it a bustling place. I saw a lot of locals, yet I heard some French and Italian being spoken, so I suspect that some tourists have discovered it nestled into Ark Row as well.

The friendly proprietor gave us some crisp chips and fresh-tasting medium spiced salsa.

I thought the Berenjena sounded like a great combo. Poncho's Casa Manana has a Salvadoran twist, so I'm not sure of the origin of this dish. It consists of slices of eggplant fried in an egg batter and topped with a ranchero-type sauce and topped with mild cheese, guacamole and sour cream.

It was divine! And it also comes with your choice of beans (refried was my choice that day), rice and a small bit of greens and tomatoes.

My father tried the vegetarian tamales which were wrapped in plantain leaves and same sides as I, except he chose the black beans. He enjoyed his choice too and said he could come back any time!

Restaurant Inspection Results

Critical: 5

Noncritical: 2

Last inspected: 11/7/2008

Previously reviewed:
March 1, 2007

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