San Francisco
|
Trendy
- Cha Cha Cha's on 1801 Haight one block from Golden Gate
park. Santeria folk art decor Cuban atmosphere. Takes two hours to get a table, recommend
eating at the bar (only 45 minute wait). Dress down and order the potato dish. Sangria
comes in large quantities. (415) 386-5758
- Caribbean Zone at 55 Natoma has half an
old airplane inside 415.974.6416
Vegetarian
- Millennium cafe in a little hotel off
Union Square. We went one night and could not believe the tastes that
came out of an all vegan meal. The entrees were delicious and the
desserts scrumptious. Pricey but really worth it.
-
Cafe Gratitude is a little weird and we love it. Not just vegan, but
also raw. Try the "enchiladas". And the key lime pie dessert was
spectacular.
|
Berkeley
|
Italian
- Cafe Venitzia on University. (510) 849-4681
Trendy
- Rivoli in Albany (that cute little town just North of Berkeley
...) Excellent Calif. cuisine. (510) 526-2542
with Beer
- Pyramid Brewery on
Gilman in Berkeley. Good brews and during the summer you can go to
their outdoor cinema every couple of weeks. Don't miss it. 510
528-9880
Buddhist Brunch
- Thai Buddhist Temple Mongholratanaram
1911 Russell Street serves a Sunday brunch from 9-2 for a few token
dollars. Eating is outside and the food is Asian steam table and quite
a good value. Neighborhood locals streamed in and we ate soup noodle
(sans tripe, thank you) .
(according to Gayle G.)
- Kirala - Japanese Grill 510 549-3486
- Citron - California / Mediterranean with outdoor seating. On
College in Oakland 510 653-5484
- Oliveto's - Italian Grill. In the Rockridge area off
College in Oakland 510 547-5356
|
Half Moon Bay
|
Unusual Places
- Miramar Beach Restaurant just south of HMB. Used to be a
prohibition era roadhouse, now fine dining. Great view of the ocean.
Excellent stop after the Bach Dancing and Dynamite Society. 650.726.9053
- Moss Beach Distillery a bit north of HMB.
Also
was a prohibition speakeasy. My Grandfather used to tell stories of driving down
there from San Francisco with my Grandmother. Food is variable, but have a beer in
the bar and view a secret little part of the coast. (You can also drive over
and sit on the beach in the little cove you see from the bar.)
- HMB Brewery right in the harbor. Live
music and places to dine away from the music. Fish and Chips was a good
meal.
|
Santa Cruz Area
|
Breakfast
- Zelda's on the beach in Capitola. Dine
while overlooking the beach.
- Moonshadow Ranch south of La Honda. Quiet and gentle under
the redwoods. (You have to pull a leg to get in, but no reservations
required. Go there and you'll see what I mean...)
Dinner
- Rosa's right in Santa Cruz
Harbor. The Cuban ham BBQ special is great. The fresh fish looked very
good on other's plates. Interesting casual dining and a great harbor
view.
- Lido in Capitola. Wonderful food in a
great atmosphere. 831 475-6544
- Cafe Sparrow in Aptos has a beautiful
menu that changes often. Several specials every day. They do a late
breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
|
San Juan Bautista (close to Hollister)
|
Drinks
- Across from the Mission is a bar
with an adjacent liquor store. The bar is clean, well lit, and we met
some very nice locals there. Worth staying for two beers.
Dinner
- Basque Restaurant on fourth
street behind downtown. Family style service of six courses and wine
and dessert, all for $20. Way too much food, but very delicious.
|