bradvr :: The Happy Fork

Feb

2011

Venticello Ristorante serves stand out Italian in Nob Hill

by bradvr · Comments (0)

Venticello Ristorante design is intimate and comfortable, with a kitchen staff that serves superior and innovative northern Italian cuisine. On this night we had a wonderful corner table by the window with a nice view of the bay to compliment our outstanding meal.

We were a group of four and created a virtual tasting menu featuring mushroom ravioli, roast lamb, gnocchi, pizza with arugula and panchetta. The wine list is diverse and compatible with most budgets. I found a 2004 Barberro for $ 42 which rounded out the meal. Overall, this spot is one of my new favorites in San Francisco.

Venticello is only a 5 minute cab ride from Union Square and, if the weather is nice, a great 15 minute walk. If you are walking, plan your route carefully if hills are not your friend.

The restaurant seats 115 but it’s design can accommodate various group sizes for private events and would be great for business dinners.

Location:
Venticello Ristorante
1257 Taylor St
(between Clay St & Washington St)
San Francisco, CA 94108
(415) 922-2545

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Categories : 4 Forks, CA, Fork on the Road, Northern California

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Feb

2011

Max’s Restaurant serves deli food to locals and tourists

by bradvr · Comments (0)

For lunch they serve all the expected deli choices. I enjoyed the turkey with cranberry cream cheese and their matzo ball soup. The soup hit the spot, but wouldn’t qualify as grandmas best. The sandwich with wax bean salad was outstanding and large enough to split.

Above is a pic of a cup of their matzo ball soup.

Their website is way overdone and difficult to use but lists locations and has menus to view.

- Posted by fork on the road

Categories : 3 Forks, CA, Fork on the Road, Northern California, The Happy Fork reviews

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Feb

2011

Lori’s Diner serves home cooking in the fog city

by bradvr · Comments (0)

I didn’t find time for any meals at Lori’s Diner on this trip, but all of my past experiences have been good ones. They serve tasty breakfasts and traditional diner food – burgers, patti melts, milk shakes and more. There are a few locations in San Francisco, including the SFO Airport so you are bound to bump into one. If you dining solo, the counter is the place to be. Some locations open 24 hours.

- posted by fork on the road

Location:336 mason street, san Francisco, ca 94102

Categories : 3 Forks, Fork on the Road, Northern California, The Happy Fork reviews

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Feb

2011

Beer theme dinner with friends

by bradvr · Comments (2)

Some of our friends get together semi-regularly and host dinner parties. This particular event was a beer themed one where most every dish had beer as an ingredient – think Iron Chef meets residential kitchen and grocery store ingredients. Our contribution was an iceberg salad with beer influenced blue cheese dressing and beer bread. The beer bread recipe sounded weak to me, so I embellished with Stone Brewery Arrogant Bastard Ale. Mistake. Unfortunately, it made the bread bitter for most folks, so next time a Harp or Newcastle Ale would likely be a better choice. I did add Italian seasoning to the top of the loaf before baking, which enhanced the overall flavor.

This photo montage only includes some of the dishes from our dinner. To kick things off right, we started with Deus Brut des Flandres, a Belgian Strong Ale by Brouwerij Bosteels. The lamb was marinated in Three Philosophers beer for two days. Yummy.

- posted by fork at home

Categories : Fork at Home, Home Cooking

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Feb

2011

Barney’s Hamburgers

by bradvr · Comments (0)

Who doesn’t love a good burger? But jeeze louise it is hard to find a great burger. Barney’s serves an ok burger and offers lots of twists with add ons and condiments but I would not make this a destination. Instead head to the Apple Pan, just 2 miles away, if you are hankering for a great burger.

Ps: Barney’s does make awfully great shakes though!

- Posted by fork on the road

Location:11660 San Vicente Blvd Brentwood Los Angeles, CA 90049

Categories : Los Angeles County, Southern California, The Happy Fork reviews

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Feb

2011

Brodard Chateau

by bradvr · Comments (2)

A few decades ago Garden Grove officially received the nickname Little Saigon to recognize the Vietnam influence on the community. One beneficial outcome for us foodies is the plethora of good Asian eateries, Brodard Chateau being one of the nicest ones.

This weeks lunch coincided with Chinese New Year which explained this shrine on display in the restaurant foyer.

The actual lunch was wonderful and included the mouth watering duck spring roll, shrimp crepe appetizer, and salt and pepper calamari. Next trip I would get the salt and pepper shrimp and bring more friends so I can share more dishes!

Visit their website for hours and location

- Posted by fork on the road

Location:San Diego Fwy,Inglewood,United States

Categories : 3 Forks, Orange County, Southern California, The Happy Fork reviews

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Feb

2011

Pei Wei finds its way onto my fork

by bradvr · Comments (0)

I am a fan of very few national sit down chain restaurants. The ones that I like are Macaroni Grill, Houstons, Mortons, and PF Changs, the later being the parent company to Pei Wei.

Pei Wei serves street style Asian food and does it efficiently and with robust flavors. Having a location a few blocks from my office helps too.

You can get brown rice with any dish (recommended) and they serve excellent unsweetened, but flavorful ice tea, and provide good quality chop sticks.

Dishes to try:

Pei Wei Spicy Chicken, Lettuce wraps, Honey Seared Shrimp, Chil Ramen, Korean BBQ Beef, mandarin orange tea, crab wonton, brown rice.

Visit their website for locations near you and hours.

-Posted by Bradvr

Location:Barranca Pkwy,Irvine,United States

Categories : 3 Forks, Fork on the Road, Orange County, Southern California, The Happy Fork reviews

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Feb

2011

Cafe Hiro – Japanese fusion in Cypress

by bradvr · Comments (0)

Cafe Hiro is one of the standout kitchens in Orange county where you can count on an inspired meal on every visit. Be sure to check the daily specials when ordering. Service is friendly and efficient. Open for lunch and dinner.

: Mushroom Pasta

: Banana Cream Pudding

Try one of his infused pastas. This one above features mushroom pasta with eggplant and bonita flakes, but another must try is their signature dish, Sea Urchin “Uni” Spaghetti. The Chilean Sea Bass and Beef Tongue Stew are also excellent. At Cafe Hiro shy away from the ordinary and be adventurous with your selections. You will not be disappointed.

As usual, check the website for hours and other logistics.

- Posted from Fork on the Road

Location

Categories : 3 Forks, CA, Fork on the Road, Orange County, Scandinavia and the Baltic's, Southern California, The Happy Fork reviews

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Oct

2007

Border Grill

by bradvr · Comments (0)

This place I really like – The southwestern menu is great, the atmosphere is casual and hip. The web site features information about the chefs, the restaurant, cookbooks and radio show. Also has a listing of upcoming special events at the restaurant with a recipe or two.

Chefs Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger create the “world cuisine” featured at The Border Grill and their other restaurant, Ciudad.

House made Guacamole, Ceviche, and Green Corn Tamales are all great starters. Grilled Skirt Steak, Pork Chops and Pescado Veracruzano are mouth watering.

Originally reviewed in 5/31/1998
What To Order: Ceviche

Border Grill
This information was accurate at the time of posting, but it’s always a good idea to call ahead or visit the website to confirm hours, location and other details.

http://www.bordergrill.com
1445 4th Street
Santa Monica, CA 90401
310.451.1655

Average Cost Per Person, excluding drinks: $20 to $30
Bar dining, Private room, Reservations, Late night, Bar, Beer and wine
Dinner: Mon 5 pm to 10 pm
Lunch and Dinner: Tue-Thu 11:30 am to 10 pm
Lunch and Dinner: Fri-Sat 11:30 am to 11 pm
Lunch and Dinner: Sun 11:30 am to 10 pm

Categories : 4 Forks, Fork on the Road, Los Angeles County, The Happy Fork reviews

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Sep

2007

Ercole

by bradvr · Comments (0)

In most American cities you will find bars that serve good food. Of course the cuisine is offered in a limited menu of, yes, bar food. As an example, one of my favorites, Joe Jost’s has 5 menu items – all good and all go really well with beer – or root beer.

Ercole’s is an institution in Manhattan Beach and populated by locals – clothing ranges from beach wear to suits. Pool tables in the back and nearly a dozen screens make for a busy atmosphere. They have a grill near the window and you can either come inside and order at the bar, or yell out your order through the ퟙto goퟘ window were the cook will gladly cook your meal just as you like it.

The meals here are Dodger dogs, and hamburgers. The hamburgers are just like your Dad used to make – thick, juicy patties, with thick cut tomato, lettuce, onions, and oozing with sauce and juices. The secret is the fresh ground, high quality meats from the butcher/grocery store next door. I am not using the word butcher lightly – when I was in the grocery store they were splitting a lamb and cutting chops right in plain site.

They server several beers on tap including my current favorite – Stella Atois!

Making one of the best burgers in LA – HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
Best Dish: Hamburger
What To Order: Hamburger and dodger dogs, Stella Atois (belgium beer on tap)

Ercole’s
This information was accurate at the time of posting, but it’s always a good idea to call ahead or visit the website to confirm hours, location and other details.

1101 Manhattan Ave

Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
One block north of Ocean Avenue, just South of the pier
(310) 372-1997

Average Cost Per Person, excluding drinks: $10 or less
Bar dining, Table seating, Late night, Credit cards, Bar, Casual, Non-smoking, Hole in the wall, Street Parking
Daily: 10 am to 2 am

Categories : 4 Forks, Fork on the Road, Los Angeles County, Southern California, The Happy Fork reviews

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