A local food columnist recently commented "dining out for Bay Area residents has made a come back." Further suggesting, folks dine out because they simply do not want to cook, countering the "special occasion" rational.
Offering a different take on dining/eating out for this Bay Area resident, it is an ongoing celebration of the abundance available in the region. There are few places in the world with high quality foodstuff: wines, cheeses, organic vegetable and fruits, innovators and informed palettes contribute to the gastronomic experience.
2005 Restaurant Notes
Eccolo in Berkeley A birthday lunch with Jacqueline. Slivers of Parmesan with 10 year old Balsamic Vinegar; celery and beet salad with a light citrus vinaigrette; artisan farmer bread; a bottle of '02 dolcetto di dogliani "san luigi", pecchenino, and coffee with a plate of cookies well matched and paired for a rainy Sunday in the Bay. The items were simple and a staple. A large communal country table in the center of the large dining area near the bar would have anchored the space and further evoked the Tuscan country house feel. The service was a bit sluggish, we were the last lunch seating. A second return is deserved, try other offerings, to see if the staff have matured (minimum unsolicited opinions of entrees or other menu items) and consistency.
Pearl Oyster Bar in Rockridge Area of Oakland A birthday dinner with Howard. Shared small plates of beet salad and frisee; BBQ cubed steak and Shitake mushroom; and salmon on a bed of garbanzos a la tagine. Both noted the refined space with pegboard ceiling, stainless steel wall and Mondrian influenced window treatment. I specially appreciated the sectional "abalone shell" photos. Service was benignly neglectful for an early midweek dinner, the place was full though not packed. To be informed that "you are correct about the corked glass of wine" was a bit off- putting.
A prior visit in April 04 with Betty to celebrate her new job, sharing poke (raw tuna strips), ceviche, chips and salsa with unfiltered sake was a delight. Running across other friends, fellow non-profit and community health colleagues, added to the experience of conviviality. We all remarked on the ambience, the well-prepared food, and thankful to see the former red tractor replaced.
The place is worth a return for its elan, and to see if Pearl has the chops to go beyond fashionable.
January is usually heavy with rain and promotions for dining out in San Francisco, a recognized slow month. More restaurant notes to come, with January also being my birthday month and have the pleasure/opportunity for dining at some of the most notable eateries in town.
1 comment:
Daniel can I remind you that Massachusetts is freeking cold and there is no--I mean NO Mexican food here? When I say "no" i really mean that there are a few vague stabs at mexican food restaurants, all run by white people and and the food is really bad. Asian food is almost nonexistant and this town has no fewer than 5 pizza places. Never forget the abundance around you!
-Team Cahill
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