Alas, most good things does need to slow down. January, aka my birthday montg with the accompanying series of fine dining experiences has run its course. However, friends outside of California can insist on celebrating my birthday in their home town on my next visit.
Fringale, 4th Street, San Francisco. An annual celebration with Evelyn B., our usual fete locale. Fringale is among the first of SF's Bistro, they continue to be a standard bearer. The subtle play of colors de Provence making for the ambience, knowledgeable and unharried wait staff, "un fancied" Bistro fare are still "stand outs"
Jojo's, Piedmont Avenue, Oakland. A pre Valentine Dinner with a lovely couple and long time friends Darren and Karen. We shared an Alexander Valley Pinot Noir. The story goes, the vintner came into the place -- who heard of the food's quality, gifted the proprietor with a bottle of their fine wine and the pairing with their foods is now part of the offerrings. The house pate was sublime. The "hangar steak and frites" one of their house speciality can stand along the best of them. I opted for the fish entry that evening with a sauce of Chanterelle reduction is most notable.
Piedmont Avenue has become a neighborhood dining foodie magnet for East Bay palettes. Many a progeny of CA Nouvelle cuisine, former sous or pastry chef from Olivetto or Chez Panise have located small, unpretentious, delectable, and affordable restaurants on the block. A blessing for us not wanting to brave the bridge to dine.
Be on the look our for more "budget" food suggestions in coming months. Now that my Ilocano sensitive wallet will need to part with the greens for feasting.
Also, notes from out of area eating spots as a result of both work and leisure travel will also be included.
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