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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Easy breakfast

My friend Daniel tipped me off to Bridgeway Bagel in Sausalito, not far from my office. He said the bagels were good and the smoothies even better. I didn't try the smoothies, but I did have a double mocha (yum) and a breakfast bagel.

I chose a toasted onion bagel with egg and Swiss cheese. The service was friendly and prompt, and the tasty bagel was oozing with a very rich and smooth Swiss on perfectly cooked scrambled egg. I could make this a habit.

Restaurant Inspection Results

Critical: 0
Noncritical: 6
Last inspected: 2/6/2009

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Funny Food

For your viewing enjoyment!

Nice ambiance, good food

Dad had another appointment with the audiologist, so we found ourselves in Petaluma at lunchtime again. This time I used my trusty Prius' GPS to locate the nearest Japanese food. I noticed a place called "Gohan" just a mile or two away.

So off we went following the easy directions up McDowell Street to a corner mall where Gohan is located. The interior had an open, airy, yet zen feel to it and there were beautiful orchids gracing the space as well. We were greeted promptly and warmly and soon seated.

We both chose a variation of the lunchtime Bento Box, quite a bargain at $10 for the one with Chicken Teriyaki, and $11 for the one with Salmon Teriyaki (me). Both came with a flavorful miso soup and crisp cucumber salad.

Besides the sunamono or cucumber salad and miso, all the Bento's come with a basis of prawn and vegetable tempura, California roll, house salad with sesame vinegarette dressing, and steamed rice. To this, the generous piece of salmon teriyaki that I chose was added. The tempura was so artistically presented, and the rest tasted great as well.

Dad went for the option of Chicken Teriyaki, and loved his meal too. We enjoyed our experience, and would come back in a heartbeat if we are in the area again at mealtime.

Restaurant Inspection Results
Critical: 4
Noncritical: 2
Last inspected: 8/18/2009

All-American Breakfasts

Dad and I enjoyed breakfast in Novato at Marvin's Breakfast Club on Grant street the other day. Even mid-week, it's quite busy! Well-worn tables are full of people in this popular establishment.

I was intrigued by an individual item, the 'pot 'o gold'. So I built my breakfast around it, adding a poached egg and an English Muffin. The 'pot 'o gold' is breakfast potatoes, either hash browns or the cottage fries, covered with cheese, with green onions, sour cream and salsa on the side. Mine came without green onions, but it was simple, yet good. I enjoyed the poached egg and crispy English Muffin as well.

Dad tried the Chicken Apple Sausage with Egg and Hash Browns with Wheat Toast. The hash browns are covered up in the photo by the sausage and toast. He said the sausage was great and enjoyed the rest as well.

Restaurant Inspection Results

Critical: 0
Noncritical: 0
Last inspected: 6/1/2009

Previously reviewed:
February 28, 2008

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Elegant Comfort Food

I found a good opportunity to try the new Dream Farm in San Anselmo and took it! Earlier this year I visited its predecessor, Fork, and less than a month later it closed and reopened with the same owner, reinvented, as Dream Farm. Dream Farm highlights local ingredients in its 'comfort' food in classic American style.

I started with Brentwood Sweet Corn Soup. It was SO creamy! And it had the wonderful flavor of freshly picked sweet corn. This is not your typical comfort food, it's comfort food elevated.

The main dish I chose was Vegetarian Lasagna with Bellwether Farms Ricotta, Zucchini and Mushrooms. I took my first bite, and just had to ask the waiter as he was walking away 'Are these house made lasagne noodles?'. He affirmed that they were. What a heavenly dish. And filling. This is not ordinary comfort food, the kitchen takes that form and perfects it, all at a reasonable price. Don't miss Dream Farm!

Restaurant Inspection Results

Critical: 1
Noncritical: 0
Last inspected: 6/24/2009

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Harvest time

Well, it's a sad season for my tomato plant. I planted it into a pot SO late in the season it's a miracle the plant survived. One tomato held on through thick and thin and I harvested it over the weekend.

It was REALLY sweet and tasty. The plant has gotten quite a bit bigger, and there are some more green globes on it. Will we have enough sun for it to ripen some more of the tomatoes?

Mexico and Points South

Marin is lucky to have so many Mexican and other restaurants from south of our border. I've tried to keep track, and keep up, however it's quite a task! There are also taco trucks seen around Marin that aren't listed, and I haven't tried yet. Let me know in the comments if any revision is needed.

Where I've been

Fairfax
Pancho Villa's

Greenbrae
Road Runner Burrito

Kentfield
Taqueria Mexican Grill de Marin

Larkspur
Burritoville Cafe

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

Novato
Cacti
El Encanto
Fernando's
La Hacienda Taqueria
Las Guitarras Mexican Restaurant & Seafood
Maya Palenque
Sonoma Latina Grill
Tommy's Salsa

San Anselmo
Marinitas
Mi Pueblo
Taco Jane's

San Rafael
Celia's Mexican American Food
La Hacienda Taqueria
Las Camelias
Panama Inn & Restaurant
Panchitos
Picante
Playa Azul Mariscos
Puentez Taqueria
Sol Food
Sonoma Taco Shop
Taqueria Bahia
Taqueria el Farolito
Taqueria Mi Familia
Taqueria San Jose
Tekila's Taqueria
Yucachubi's

Sausalito
Anchorage 5 Restaurant
Salsalito Taco Shop
Saylor's Restaurant & Bar

Tiburon
Guaymas
Poncho's Casa Manana

Where I've yet to go (or blog)

Corte Madera
Baja Fresh Mexican Grill

Fairfax
Casa Manana
Grilly's

Mill Valley
Antigua Mexican Grill

Novato
Chevy's Fresh Mex
El Palmar
Mi Pueblo Taqueria
Taqueria La Fiesta
Taqueria Real

San Anselmo
Burritoville OBB
Tacqueria Mi Familia

San Rafael
Casa Manana
Churro Station
High Tech Burrito
Oscar's Tacos
Samperio's
Sonora Market & Taqueria
Taqueria La Herradura
Taqueria Las Calandrias

Burritos as you like them

A couple of cute girls, Zena and Zoe, put a bug in my ear about the great burritos at High Tech Burrito. Naturally, I had to check it out. Luckily there is one not far from me at Strawberry Village in Mill Valley.

I noticed that they make breakfast burritos, but they don't open earlier than ten, so that makes it brunch, not breakfast in my book. When I ordered my burrito at the window, I was offered chips and salsa for a quick 50-cent add. How could I resist? The chips were startlingly fresh, and the mild salsa went well with these.

I tried the braised tofu burrito. It consisted of braised tofu, fresh veggies, black beans, brown rice and mild salsa rolled in a grilled low fat whole wheat tortilla. It was fresh and hot and I liked the flavors! I'd have this one again in a heartbeat. The girls led me right. There are other High Tech Burrito locations in Marin at San Rafael and Novato.

Restaurant Inspection Results

Critical: 1
Noncritical: 1
Last inspected: 3/19/2009

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It's open!

I've been watching with interest the site of the former World Coffee Cafe as a sign appeared announcing the new Cafe Trio in San Rafael. A phone number recently appeared in the Montecito Plaza directory, so I called it one evening to find if it was open. The news was, that opening day was the next day, September 2nd. Guess who got up early to go with her father?

We were greeted warmly and found one woman eating pancakes (that looked wonderful) had preceded us. The menu was interesting, and I couldn't resist ordering the Vegan Benedict. It sounded so unique with tofu topping English muffins covered in a curry sauce. It was very good, and I would order it again. The curry sauce is made with coconut milk, however the kitchen didn't have it yet and I accepted a dairy substitution. It still was quite good. The potatoes were spiked with rosemary and the fruit was sweet. What wonderful palate awakener this dish was.

My father wanted something a little more traditional so ordered a mushroom, bacon and swiss omelet. He said it was tasty and the volume was more than he could finish. He especially appreciated the bread as it was hearty and looked like it was a home baked type, whether or not it was. I could smell it's fragrance across the table. The atmosphere had a bit of a middle east feel, and the interior has mixed neutral colors placed in a way that feels quite elegant. It also has a comfortable looking bar area. Another tidbit I heard was that Cafe Trio shares an owner with Aroma Cafe. I definitely recommend breakfast lovers try this place.

Restaurant Inspection Results

Cafe Trio has not yet been inspected.

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Quiet and good

I stopped by Fujiyama Restaurant & Sushi Bar in San Rafael for lunch earlier this week. I forgot it has one of those electronic welcome generators at the door, so jumped when I heard it say 'welcome' loudly in Japanese when I walked in.

I ordered a special that came with miso soup. This one was very good with the right balance and flavor.

The soup was chased by a Vegetable Korokke that had bits of carrot, burdock and kernels of sweet corn in the potato. It was covered in panko crumbs, and was great with the accompanying sauce. I was particularly excited about the burdock bits as that made it seem even more like something one would actually eat in Japan.

Then the main attraction arrived, a sushi and sashimi bento box. It was all fresh and good. Beyond the sushi and sashimi, it had edamame and a crunchy seaweed salad. I enjoyed my meal, and the service was charming.

Restaurant Inspection Results

Critical: 0
Noncritical: 0
Last inspected: 11/5/2008

Previously reviewed:
April 18, 2007

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Translation problem?

I stopped by La Hacienda Taqueria in Novato a few nights ago. The staff was most smiling and welcoming. I seemed to have a communication problem. I wanted to order their Veggie Chimichanga. I asked for it. The woman behind the counter said "Steamed Veggies". Ah, no I'm not interested in a Steamed Veggie plate (the choice just below Veggie Chimichanga on the posted menu). Ok she said, and motioned for me to sit and enjoy my chips.

The chips were great and it was nice to have both green and red salsas.

Then my Veggie Chimichanga came. The board that I ordered it from said: "Flour tortillas with veggies, salsa, topped with lettuce, tomatoes, rice and whole beans on the side. Flour tortillas, check; rice, check; whole beans on the side -- whoah.. no these beans were refried. It got worse. Where is the lettuce that is supposed to adorn the top? Inside. I kid you not - deep fried lettuce! So the inside, besides lettuce had more rice, and voila! the whole beans. I'm sorry it was completely unappetizing and the tortillas were oil soaked. The sour cream wasn't listed, and I didn't mind having a bit, although it was quite a glop on the top. Beware of translation if you visit and don't speak Spanish!

Restaurant Inspection Results

Critical: 0
Noncritical: 1
Last inspected: 5/20/2009

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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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Great kid place

I tried M & G Burgers in Larkspur last evening for a quick bite. It has a unique spirit, and there are lots of kids watching the Tom & Jerry cartoons projected on the wall with quiet sound, while the strains of rock & roll are louder on the other speakers. Seemed a good way to please - both the young ones and the teens are happy in this atmosphere. Organic hot dogs? Of course then organic beef and salads as well as the standard burgers. It was packed with people, and the staff were still friendly.

I chose one of their best buys - a fish burger with fries and a drink. The bun was a little mushed, but tasted fresh none the less the fish and fries were HOT! And the condiments came in eco-friendly paper cups on the side. I enjoyed my retro meal sitting in a brightly colored wooden chairs while watching the cute bevy of kids inside. There is also an M & G Burgers in Fairfax.

Restaurant Inspection Results

Critical: 0
Noncritical: 3
Last inspected: 7/31/2009

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Change in Novato

I had to drive around the block twice. The former sign was no where in sight, and there were construction workers all around, and a liquor license notice in one of the windows. Looks like Novato will soon have a new restaurant, "Mill's Restaurant" where Chez Pierre once was. It will be interesting to see what menu items this new venture brings to town. I do have to wonder why they chose pink! There's another restaurant in Novato already famous for its pinkness.

Speaking of Chez Pierre, it's more than a little sad to see them go. I was there the day the sign was put up. The restaurant brought decent French fare and made efforts to bring French culture to Novato as well, sponsoring a French conversation group. I wish the former participants in that venture well and thank them for their efforts.

Amazing Fruit Facts

Carnivores Delight!

Dad and I were near Northgate in San Rafael and thought it was time to try Roast Haus. The minute you open the door you see big roasted carcasses of various meats, and a lovely roast meat smell. There are a variety of things that can be ordered in addition to the roast meat plates.

There were no roast fish dishes, so I opted for a standard tuna sandwich on a sourdough roll. Everything was fresh, it was fine, but there was nothing special about it.

Dad ordered a Petit plate, which consist of your choice of meat and two sides. Dad chose the Corned Beef with mashed potatoes and mixed vegetables. It totally looked like something his German step-mother would have made, and many a dinner I had at her and Grandpa's home growing up. He must of liked it as he polished it all off. I myself wondered what a regular plate would be like as this one was far from petit in portion. It also came with a roll and butter.

The service was in cafeteria style so there is not much to comment on other than the line servers and cashier were very friendly. As a pesca-tarian it would be hard for me to visit often as the ONLY choices that weren't meat were tuna sandwich and tuna salad from what I could see. But I will have to come back for my Dad's sake as this is the kind of food he grew up on and I never cook.

Restaurant Inspection Results

Critical: 0
Noncritical: 0
Last inspected: 4/28/2009

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Charming and cheerful

What a transformation has occured! Amy's Cafe has transformed a space that was occupied by a formerly dreary looking donut joint into a light and airy cheerful place! I was so happy to see that it opened. The interior is black and white with some red accents.

The first clue that I got about it having a Japanese flair was the lovely ceramic cup that my father's hot chocolate came in.

Then my cappuccino came in a nice set that also reminded me of Japan (deceptively as it doesn't occur to most people as something related to Japan).

The salad cinched it. Not only was it in a covered miso soup bowl, who else but the Japanese eat salad for breakfast?! The salad tasted great, very cold iceburg with a nice mild dressing, perhaps miso-based. The waiter solved the mystery by telling me that the chef spent five years in Japan in the restaurant industry.

My Eggs Scramble with Smoked Salmon transported me back to the days of having hotel breakfasts in Osaka or Tokyo at finer hotels. An American breakfast, with Japanese sensibility. Not only was it artfully arranged, it was delicious.

My father had the Plain Omelet and enjoyed it very much. I have to note for bagel connoisseurs that the bagels were more bready than dense and chewy. However this was perfect for my father who has difficulty with 'tough' bread. The chef came out and greeted us and we had fun speaking in Japanese. We decided I should come back so we can practice. How fun! And in typical Japanese fashion, he walked me and my Dad out all the way to the car, thanking us for our patronage. Charming and cheerful, and with delicious food! I'll be back for more than the Japanese practice!

Restaurant Inspection Results

Amy's Cafe has not yet been inspected.

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