Anil Gangolli

South Park Cafe

A great little french-style cafe/bistro off the park on South Park Drive between 2nd and 3rd (San Francisco).

It would have qualified as a pleasant surprise, but we didn‘t find it ourselves. We were following a tip from a friend. It met and exceeded expectations. We‘ll be back.

Another benefit: amazingly easy street parking for a Saturday night in the City.

Posted at 09:22AM May 21, 2006 in chow  |  Permalink

Tablespoon Restaurant, San Francisco

Ate at Tablespoon on Polk St. in San Francisco last weekend. Despite the pedestrian name, which makes it sound like a cafeteria, this casual but elegant little bistro is well worth a visit. We started with a ravioli appetizer and a small salad. For my main I had this poached halibut in a herb and mushroom-infused broth, and a very nice unassuming Pinot (Patassy Vineyards, but can‘t remember the vintage). Everything was really well prepared, fresh and delicate but totally satisfying flavors. Just one thing: Call them to ask them where to park; it‘s really hard to find parking in that area.

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Related via Google: Tablespoon Restaurant San Francisco

Posted at 10:08PM Oct 20, 2005 in chow  |  Permalink

Soluna, San Francisco

California cuisine. Soluna, is right next to the Asian Art Museum just off of the Civic Center in San Francisco, and makes a good post-museum or pre-Opera dinner spot. It has a casual but nice atmosphere, friendly staff. Try the ginger-wasabi crab cakes and the "cold cucumber" martini. I had a nicely prepared filet of Sea Bass. They have reasonably priced wines on the wine list. I had a decent "Claret" from St Francis Winery .

Posted at 09:35AM Nov 21, 2004 in chow  |  Permalink

Cascal, Mountain View

Spanish and South American-style Tapas. It‘s in a good location (near the corner of California and Castro) for dinner before a show at the Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts. It was memorably good when they first opened, but it hasn‘t been able to maintain the quality. Still a decent bet, but not a sure one.

Posted at 09:23PM Nov 11, 2004 in chow  |  Permalink

Krung Thai, Mountain View

Krung Thai has a relatively new Mountain View “branch”. They‘re in a somewhat unexpected location in the large shopping mall near the intersection of California and San Antonio, located near the Trader Joe‘s in the same mall; their other one is in San Jose. Well worth a visit. I was really impressed with their Tom Yum Goong (Thai Hot and Sour Shrimp Soup).

Posted at 09:14PM Nov 11, 2004 in chow  |  Permalink

Amarin Thai, Mountain View

One of the two really good Thai restaurants in the area. The other being Krung Thai

Posted at 09:09PM Nov 11, 2004 in chow  |  Permalink

Laurel Street Cafe, San Mateo

French mom and pop place. I‘ve only been there for lunch. They have great buckwheat crepes, and a good selection of desserts and chocolates. The service starts a bit curt, but really warms up to you. Recommended.

Posted at 09:03PM Nov 11, 2004 in chow  |  Permalink

Cafe Brioche, Palo Alto

At one time offered very good french bistro-style fare, moderate prices. More recently, pretty mediocre. Still has a nice atmosphere. Service has gone from very good to the basic and adequate.

Posted at 08:55PM Nov 11, 2004 in chow  |  Permalink

McCormick and Schmicks, San Jose

Seafood. American. I thought this place would be mass market fare, nothing special. I had some really fresh trout, grilled, with a bit of sun-dried tomato butter on top. I was impressed. Moderately priced. Probably worth a visit. They‘re still relatively new as of this writing.

Posted at 07:55PM Nov 11, 2004 in chow  |  Permalink

Tamarine, Palo Alto

Tamarine is probably the best restarant in Palo Alto right now. A bit pricey, but worth it. They serve a kind of Southeast Asian fusion; dinner is a multitude of small plates. The Halong Bay soup is especially good. Salt and pepper calamari and Lemongrass bass also among my favorites, but I‘ve liked everything I‘ve had there. Good martinis too.

Posted at 07:10PM Nov 11, 2004 in chow  |  Permalink  |  Comments[1]