Not quite yet

A much anticipated Balboa Cafe opened in Mill Valley some months ago. Dad and I had the opportunity for brunch there last weekend. The only signage is in the small alley, as is the entrance, so unless you know where it is, you may miss it.

The brunch menu was rather brief, and not vegetarian friendly. There were a lot of breakfast dishes (with meat), a hamburger, and chicken sandwich offered on the entree side of the menu. The other side of the menu wasn't much better. For vegetarians, a choice of Caesar salad or going to the side dishes, roasted red potatoes for lunch anyone? Dad and I tried the calamari fritti which was hot and crunchy, and we enjoyed it as a starter.

I ordered French Toast. Hmmm... I have to say I was disappointed. It seemed more like 'Cajun Blackened' French toast. It was made with Brioche and it was DRY as well as black. The fruit was good though, fresh and sweet. The waiter did ask during the meal if everything was alright, however, since I couldn't see a fix for this as there really wasn't anything else on the menu that appealed to me, I kept silent.

Dad had the Omelet of the Day, which came with a salad and was filled with sausage, cheddar cheese, green peppers and onion. It left a large orange greasy puddle under it, which indicated to me it was probably not very healthy fat wise. Dad said it was 'ok', damning by faint praise. I never did feel comfortable inside, it felt rather disjointed and soulless. The interior appeared like a cheapish convention hotel type decor with fake wood. I kept touching the wood trying to figure out if it were real - I couldn't tell, but the ambiance felt plasticy. I'm not encouraged, but will try a regular lunch or dinner sometime to see if this experience was just a fluke.

Restaurant Inspection Results
Critical: 0
Noncritical: 0
Last inspected: 10/29/2008

Korean Comfort Food

Sachiko and I find ourselves having cravings for the simple yet delicious comfort food at My Tofu House on Geary in San Francisco. This is authentic Korean Food. In fact, if you go to the website, you'll see it is predominantly written in Korean. We found ourselves here one night last week.

After steaming hot tea is served in clear plastic glasses, banchan, or kimchee appetizers are brought out. The raw egg in its shell in the upper right of the photo is an ingredient in Sachiko's dish. The banchan were tasty, and many of the dishes rather spicy.

Following next was a large traditional stone pot of rice. Although it helped with the heat of the banchan, I went sparingly on this because I knew my dish had a bed of rice as its base.

Sachiko ordered a simple Kimchee Tofu Soup. The egg is broken in while its bubbling hot so it cooks with the broth. This is one of her simple favorites.

I ordered a Tofu and Vegetables Bibimbap. It was so colorful and had a variety of vegetables colorfully arranged around the stone pot atop the rice. Topping the vegetables was again, a raw egg which cooked into the rice when I stirred it, and grilled tofu with a spicy red sauce and leaves of seaweed. A hot, filling and antioxidant packed meal! It's always too much to finish and so hot that you have to take it slowly. This place always has a waiting line and I rarely see non-Asians among the guests.

Previously reviewed:
August 27, 2007

Totally Tasty

Dad and I were in Novato for a late lunch, and luckily, El Encanto was open beyond the usual lunch hours. It has its own building, but the signage is just on the posts. We were greeted with a smile and immediately seated at a sunny table.

Dad started with some hot chocolate, and the cup and saucer set was quite charming. The only problem was that the saucer was filled with hot chocolate and we asked for extra napkins to sop up the drippy mess. The chips and salsa came quickly and the chips were nice and toasty. There was also a bean dip included that was smooth a nice addition.

Dad felt like a salad so ordered the Grilled Chicken Caesar which he said was really good. We had some striped lighting going on that made it difficult to get a good photo.

I ordered the Fish Tacos which were deep fried and cut into bite sized pieces. The precutting made it easier to eat without being sloppy, and they tasted heavenly. Rice and beans came with it, and I chose the whole pinto beans. The the meal was great and we would not hesitate to come again.

I thought I would add some new information from this point to Marin County restaurant blog posts since the County has now made restaurant inspection results electronically available for individual restaurants.

Restaurant Inspection Results
Critical: 0
Noncritical: 0
Last inspected: 11/18/2008

Caregivers throw a party

Dad and I were invited to Homewatch Caregivers Holiday Party in Novato yesterday. Considering all the things they do for their clients, it's the clients who should be throwing an appreciation party for them.

As it was, they had a wonderful spread of food and nibbles and a constant stream of the cared for and the caregivers came through the office. Peter, who started the office serving the North Bay gave recognition awards to caregivers who exemplified particular positive qualities, such as recognition for a caregiver who stuck through 9 months of 7 day a week care for a client. It was a pleasure to add clapping hands for the staff who work tirelessly to help others.

The team that organizes the care, left to right are Susan, Peter and Rochelle. It's amazing what they accomplish -- matching reliable and well trained caregivers to clients with a very wide variety of needs and temperaments. And dealing with all the exceptions! If you are looking for someone to assist with coordinating a loved ones care, don't miss talking to this group.

Out of the way

Yesterday Dad and I found our way to Dragon Cafe for lunch. Dragon Cafe is located in a strip mall not far from 101 in Novato. It is really tucked away, so it would be easy to miss. It is very sparse and casual inside, but cleanliness was obvious throughout.

Our lunch specials were proceeded by hot and sour soup. This one was quite good. I'm not sure if it was because the broth had a deep flavorful chicken base, or that it also had a light vinegar taste rather than being biting. It was not a vegetarian soup not only because of the stock, but there were also tender chicken bits among the tofu, egg and vegetables.

Dad thought the Beef with Mixed Vegetables sounded good. He said his dish tasted good too, although with the generous portions, he took half of it home for another meal.

I was jumping for joy to see that there were some carrots and celery in the Almond Prawns. I liked that both fried rice and chow mein were provided, it makes for a little variety. Dragon Cafe's simple rendition on these allowed for more of the flavorful sauce to shine through rather than competing. The prawns were fresh and plump. Although simple and a little Americanized, the food was inexpensive and really tasted fresh and good. The staff was friendly, attentive and observant to be sure your experience was positive. I'd go back if in the neighborhood.

Art in all its forms

Last Sunday Sachiko and I enjoyed visiting the ICB for the semi-annual Artists Open Studio. There is a real variety of art forms and an opportunity to purchase, whether big or small items. Holiday gifts came out with me allowing me to tick off some more of my list, including one from Craig Kolb. Since the event was so close to Fish, we had to stop by for lunch after having our eyes filled with color and light. And be where the view and food continued our art appreciation.

Sachiko enjoyed one of the specials from the chalkboard, Moroccan Grilled Hamachi with home made Harissa and cous cous salad. She gave me a taste and it was great, with a fresh sprinkle of pomegranite seeds as a colorful surprise.

I had an old favorite from the regular menu, clams and pasta. The linguine is house made and there are plentiful clams tenderly steamed with fresh parsley and other soothing flavors. Fish is a favorite of locals and tourists in the know.

Previously reviewed:
September 23, 2008
May 25, 2008
August 14, 2007
February 10, 2007

East Meets West at Home

Call me a wimp, but it was too chilly to go out last night! My eyes were drawn to some raclette cheese at Molly Stone's during my grocery stop on the way home from the office, and so was born a warm Swiss meal. I served it to myself in a lovely sushi boat that my friend Sachiko dropped off on Saturday. Sachiko is going to be relocating back to Japan soon and is parcing through those things she wants to move, or not. The raclette was indeed warm and delicious, and oh so simple with some traditional cornichons and some marinated cipollini onions that looked good too.

And why not dine in the shadow of the paperwhites when they are so gloriously in full bloom?

Worth a stop

Yesterday I enjoyed lunch at Kin Wah Restaurant in Kentfield. It definitely has a run down look, both inside and out, however there is a nice surprise inside. It was the height of lunch, and the place was bustling between two big parties, an assortment of trades people and students, and several coming in and out to pick up some take-out. The two women managing the dining room were friendly, yet quick and efficient.

One clue as to their hurry was that my place mat was upside down. That was easy to fix, and I was surprised by a cup of hot and sour soup. I didn't see that the lunch specials included it, and it was a welcome surprise on a cold December day. The soup was about average for hot and sour, and it was just fine.

I ordered off the wall, literally. There was a sign front and center when you walked in the door that offered a Walnut Shrimp lunch special, $1 extra for fried rice. (The entire meal was $8.40 plus tip). The rice was great, and the Walnut Shrimp were excellent. I would compare this Walnut Shrimp favorably to the same dist at most upscale Chinese places. It was a winner. Some of the gentlemen from a large party next to me were asking the names of the various dishes coming out of the kitchen and being served to others as they were so impressed by the delicious stream of food. I could hear the sounds of wok stirring from the kitchen, someone was really at work there! You could easily pass this place by in the rush to get through the Sir Francis Drake traffic, however if you would like great food in a casual setting or some wonderful take out, it's worth a stop.

South of the Border

There is a bountiful selection of restaurants in Marin that feature Mexican or other south-of-the border fare. The restaurants below either are unmistakeably Mexican, or have a significant emphasis in Mexican or food from points south. Please feel free to correct me on the current list, as it's hard to keep up!

Where I've been

Fairfax
Pancho Villa's Restaurant

Greenbrae
Road Runner Burrito

Larkspur
Burritoville Cafe

Mill Valley
Avatar's Punjab Burritos
Cactus Cafe
Grilly's
Joe's Taco Lounge
Lucinda's Mexican Food-to-Go
Maria Maria
Shoreline Coffee Shop

Novato
Cacti
Fernando's Restaurant
Las Guitarras
Maya Palenque
Tommy's Salsa

San Anselmo
Mi Pueblo
Taco Jane's

San Rafael
Celia's Mexican Restaurant
La Hacienda
Las Camelias Cocina Restaurant
Panama Inn & Restaurant
Panchitos
Picante
Playa Azul Mariscos
Puentez Taqueria
Sol Food
Taqueria Bahia
Taqueria Maria
Taqueria San Jose

Sausalito
Anchorage 5 Restaurant
Sausalito Taco Shop
Saylor's

Tiburon
Guaymas
Pancho's Casa Manana

Where I've yet to go (or blog)

Corte Madera
Baja Fresh Mexican Grill

Fairfax
Casa Manana
Grilly's

Kentfield
Taqueria Mexican Grill

Mill Valley
High Tech Burrito

Novato
Chevy's Fresh Mex
Chico's Taqueria
El Encanto
El Palmar
La Hacienda Taqueria
Los Panchos
Taqueria La Fiesta
Taqueria Real

San Anselmo
Burritoville OBB
Tacqueria Mi Familia

San Rafael
Casa Manana
Churro Station
High Tech Burrito
Mi Familia
Oscar's Tacos
Pacific Burrito
Samperio's
Sonoma Taco Shop
Sonora Market & Taqueria
Taqueria La Herradura
Taqueria San Rafael
Taqueria Las Calandrias
Yacachubis

December harvest

Yes, I grew a new batch of lettuce, and it's ready to eat! I think that the lettuce prefers the cooler temperatures actually.

So I picked and washed some for this quick lunch yesterday. Thai scallop cakes atop home grown lettuce. Believe it or not, the tomato plant is still slowly ripening tomatoes! So the whole one in the center is from my tomato plant, the cut ones are from the store. And the side-by-side comparison favors the sweet bites of my deck garden. I think I'm really turning sensitive.. I bonded so much with my tomato plant, talking to it every day as I watered that I can't seem to pull it up from the pot. It makes me shudder to think of hurting the plant! And I was intending to plant some broccoli in the pot, we'll see.

In season

I so love 'mikan' or Mandarin oranges, and have to tote some home as soon as I see these are in season. These take me back to being 17 in Mie Prefecture in Japan practicing with the Mie University Brass Band for a concert in the largest classical music venue in Osaka at that time. I played clarinet. We were in a student type guest house near the top of a mountain and the food was marginal (the Japanese students had trouble eating it as well), but the company good. These were in season then, and I practically lived on them all that week. They are sweet and easy to peel. My host family in Hiroshima also took my friends and I on a picnic and mikan picking on a little island not to far from Miyajima. For a young woman from the Seattle area, where apples, not citrus grows it was a unique and fun experience. You don't really 'pick' them, but cut the stem. However you find them, they are good and good for you.

New flourishes

Since I last visited Taste of Rome in Sausalito, they've vastly expanded their menu - there was a 19 item specials board, plus a printed menu on this visit. The old favorites are still there, but now it's evident there is a chef inside! And he came out to see how I liked my 'appetizer'.

I had initially asked if they could substitute marinara sauce for meat sauce for the entree listed as Eggplant Parmesan. I was steered to trying the appetizer Eggplant Parmesan as the best alternative and I was assured that there would be rice and veggies on the side. It was listed as an appetizer ($11) because it was considered a light dish. And it came on a huge plate! I was told that the chef had made a special rice, and indeed it was with bits of vegetables and a lovely light taste. The shoestring sauteed vegetables were great too.

The Eggplant Parmesan itself was divine. There was no bitterness and it appeared that the eggplant had been fire roasted. It was pure yum. There were other signs of care in the restaurant too. The old wooden tables had been sanded and stained to look alike and everything was polished. Although it is definitely leaning more to the cafe side, the usual coffee house crew were still very evident with their laptops working away intently . The mac machines were still far in the majority.

Previously mentioned:
October 18, 2008

Popular and Award-winning

Although I've been stumped as to where to park for months trying to visit Tacqueria San Jose, the rest of the crowd seems to have figured it out. And there was a constant crowd - people know where the good food is!

We started with a freshly squeezed and prepared orange-carrot juice. It was made freshly as we waited and it tasted that fresh.

And for those eating in, there is a take-all-you want tortilla bar with lots of fresh salsa choices. And when we saw the size of our entrees, we're glad we didn't go wild at the bar!

I ordered a plate of Camarones (think garlic prawn fajitas) prepared as "Al Mojo de Ajo" (read lots of garlic!). These were served with lots of rice and beans. The tomato was fresh but a little green, however, I realize that these are out of season.

They also served a HUGE stack of corn tortillas to Dad & I. These were hot, soft and good.

Dad wanted some beef, so he had Carne Asada, the size of which shocked him. There were three thin slabs of beef on the plate with whole beans and rice. The plate was also adorned with guacamole and sour cream. He enjoyed as much as he could, but it was beyond his appetite.

Taqueria San Jose was busy, casual and had generous portions of healthy fresh food at a reasonable price. I will come back if I find another magic parking space.

Warm and Festive

I used to go to Il Forniao in San Francisco fairly often for lunch when I worked in the Financial District. I liked the food. There is an Il Forniao closer by in Corte Madera, and it seemed like a good evening to stop in yesterday. The first thing to say is that if you want to get in a warm and festive holiday mood, you've got to put this place on your agenda this season. It is all decked out for Christmas, and very tastefully done.

Dad and I ordered off the "Best of Festa" menu that celebrates the best of the Festa Regionale. We both started with the Zuppa di Zucca from Lombardia. This is a butternut squash and russet potato soup with sage and onions, topped with a sfilatino crouton and taleggio cheese. It was delicious, and the sage made a perfect top note. Sorry the photo is a little blurry. I think the camera has trouble focusing on white in the dark.

Dad wanted chicken, so he ordered the Pollo alla Val d'Ostana from Val d'Aosta. Some things just don't photograph so that they look as mouthwatering as they are. You can't see it in the photo, but off to the left the chicken breast tapers up to a bone. I kid you not, my 88 year old Dad got away with the whole thing and was gnawing on the bone! This was breaded boneless chicken breast (the rest was indeed boneless) filled with fontina and wrapped with imported Italian ham, sauteed with sage and Dijon mustard sauce and served with mashed potatoes and sauteed spinach.

I had the Salmone Ostia Antica from Lazio. I was impressed with how perfectly cooked the entire salmon was considering it was wrapped around four spears of asparagus. It was cooked just the right amount whichever direction you sampled. The dish was billed as Salmon with fresh asparagus, baked with artichokes, capers and lemon, served with sauteed spinach and mashed potatoes. I decided that sauteed spinach is a wonderful holiday side as it is so green and glossy! It also tasted good sauteed with some sliced garlic cloves. The mashed potatoes are better pictured in the photo of Dad's dish, and they tasted like clouds! So wonderfully balanced and light. This was a fabulous meal from the impeccable service to the delicious regional specialties.

Previously reviewed:
December 21, 2006

They've popped!

The paperwhites are popping pretty white flowers! Last night I could practically see one of the blooms growing. The one above was all encased in green, and in the space of two hours was completely out! I took the photo this morning. At this point there are three little faces out of the same stem, fully unfurled. Sunset was right a few weeks ago about it being the time for starting your paperwhites growing.

Girls go

I was tempted to try this pink, bubbly liquid. Doesn't taste bad, something like Energen-C with more depth. It has good things in it without many calories (less than 5 for the can). Go Girl is an interesting entry into the drink market. I would probably not make this one a habit, but it's not unpleasant.