Sunflower Cafe - Sonoma

Our very first fan post! Thanks J&J for your review, can't wait to try out the sandwich, and the latte! OK, everything!

Monster Mimosa

The Sunflower Café is not a secret anymore – on the weekends you can find the tables filled with locals, regulars and the occasional tourist – yet most of my friends in San Francisco had never heard of it.

We discovered this lovely garden café quite accidentally on one of my trips to the Sonoma wine country. After just another tasting too much I felt the urgent need for caffeine and stopped at the Sonoma square in search for a cup. I saw the pretty yellow Sunflower sign and walked right in: A few bistro tables on the sidewalk, a big counter inside – and a line. Patiently, I cued up and got a number for my latte. While waiting I walked around the café and took the little hallway leading back instead of waiting by the counter – and I’m glad I did! Because there is a hidden and beautiful patio at the back of the café. Lots of tables of all sizes, set among lush vegetation, overgrown trellises and even a sparkling fountain. The quick coffee-to-go became a sit-down affair and after a quick glimpse at the menu we decided that we just had to have some food with the coffee. By the way, the latte was – and is – divine, lots of smooth foam and delicious coffee.

Smoked Duck Sandwich

A couple of years later ownership changed, and after getting used to the new menu and slightly higher prices I have to say the Sunflower Café has gotten even better! They also added a wine club and frequent art shows by local artists. From basic café food it now offers a wide range of breakfast and lunch items. Apart from fresh baked goodies, you can choose from a variety of omelets, egg sandwiches and waffles – the peppered bacon waffles being one of them. My breakfast favorite is the bagel with lox and cream cheese. It goes extremely well with the famous ‘Monster Mimosa’ (or so I heard). But what we usually come here for is lunch. Not really any lunch but specifically the Smoked Duck Sandwich. “No variations, don’t ask”, it says on the menu, and why would anyone want to break up this divine combo? Tender pieces of duck with caramelized onions melts together with Gruyere, fresh greens and dressings – amazing! There’s no way around this sandwich, we always order it and try other things around it.

Spanish Platter

The Chicken Salad Sandwich is fantastic, and all the appetizers are always extremely good. The Burrata melts in your mouth, the Spanish Board boasts a variety of cold cuts and delicious sides, and the Goat Cheese Filled Piquillo Peppers are a surprisingly refreshing mix of sweet and savory. All in all, you can’t really go wrong at the Sunflower Café. If you’re looking for a day filled with reading, relaxing and enjoying the sunshine you’ll feel right at home.

 

Bottom Line:Price - $$
Ambience - Casual
Vegetarian Friendly - Yes
Other - Dog-friendly

 

Spicy Empire - San Mateo

One of our first food finds in San Mateo area, we chanced upon this place on a cold winter afternoon. Hot, spicy food was just what we needed!

Spicy Empire (Yelp link), a Sichuan restaurant is definitely a find! The food is always yummy, and is especially comforting in colder weather.

Our favourite is the House Combination Mini Hot Pot - not for the faint of heart, but definitely yummy. The hot pot also includes Sichuan peppercorns. Sichuan peppercorn, for those that have never tried it, is one of the ingredients in five spice powder. Turns out, it isnt really a peppercorn at all! Instead it is a a berry of the prickly ash tree, and its main claim to fame is the powerful numbing sensation it causes around the mouth.

Anyway, about the food. If there are only 2 things you ever get here, make sure it is the fried fish filet - a really well seasoned crispy dish, and the mini hot pot - spicy, rich goodness in a bowl.

We get both every time!

Spicy Empire
(Clockwise from Top Right: Fried Filet of Sole,
Mini Hot Pot - House Combination, Eggplant with Garlic Sauce
Dry Sauteed String Beans)

 

Bottom Line:
Price - $
Ambience - Casual

Vegetarian Friendly - Yes

Merit Vegetarian - Sunnyvale

Vietnamese food is one of those cuisines that seems to easily adapt itself to being completely vegetarian. Sure, fish sauce is a major element in a lot of the flavor, but that is easily avoided.

Merit Vegetarian, just off Lawrence in Sunnyvale, has the entire array of Vietnamese favorites, and everything is vegan! This is our go-to place for Vietnamese food, especially when we are entertaining vegetarian guests.



Vietnamese Spring Rolls

Most things on the menu are really good, but some of our favorites are the Vietnamese Spring Rolls, served with a peanut dipping sauce. As you can see, they are filled with tofu, vegetables and greens and are extremely satisfying.


 



Spinach Tofu Soup

On this particular  occasion we got the Spinach and Tofu Soup, it was light, refreshing, perfect for the second course of our meal. We usually get the spicy noodle soup as an entree, but decided to switch it up. Another absolute must have is their House Special Rice Clay Pot, the dish is cooked and served in a clay pot, the flavors are comforting, and the crispy crust at the bottom of the bowl is a reason to keep eating until it is all gone!

 



 

  

Banh Xeo




In my opinion, one of the all time superstars of Vietnamese cuisine is Bahn Xeo. This simple rice flour based crepe is both comforting and satisfying. Filled with a mix of tofy, bean sprouts and other vegetables, and served with a medley of herbs and other greens, this can be a filling dish. The traditional way to eat Bahn Xeo is to take one of the larger lettuce leaves, add a piece of the Bahn Xeo to it, top with herbs, and desired condiments, wrap, and enjoy!

Now how can something that is so hands on as an experience not be fun?

Oh, and if you saved room for dessert, be sure to try their vegan flan, it is very, very good!

If you are ever in the neighborhood, shopping at Sports Basement, or making a stop at Fry's, be sure to check this place out. I think you will enjoy it.

Bottom Line:
Price - $
Ambience - Casual

Vegetarian Friendly - Yes



Progressive Dinners: 3 Courses -- 3 Restaurants

Not like I need an excuse to eat out, but...

Many of you have probably attended progressive dinners. You know, each successive course is prepared and eaten at the residence of a different host.

We are going to mix it up and have each course (of a 3 course meal comprising of drink/appetizer, dinner, dessert) at a different restaurant. The challenge -- to keep the spending at $50 per person, or under for all 3 courses.

Sound fun? Let us know if you have any recommendations on places to try, or if you would like to join us on one of these jaunts.

Watch this space for our first Progressive Dinner post!

Macks BBQ - San Carlos

Few things say summer like BBQ. Good BBQ can make summer better, and is the perfect cure for winter blues!

Macks BBQ is a shining example of good BBQ, great BBQ, in fact. Closer to the Redwood City end of San Carlos, this place is a gem. The perfectly smoked meat is sure to delight even the fussiest connoisseur.

What sets them apart, for me personally, is their BBQ sauce. The balance of acid, sweetness, and spice make it the perfect accompaniment to the meats. If you are ordering ribs, be sure to let them know you want the sauce on the side if you prefer it that way, otherwise your ribs will come slathered with the sauce. Yummy, and messy, the only way to eat ribs if you ask me.

If you are a fan of the ribs though, be sure to get there early -- they sell out quick. They do smoke another batch that is ready around 3 o'clock, so that is definitely an option.

The pulled pork is fabulous too, but their sandwiches are huge. 2 of us ended up sharing it, with a side of their baked beans, and we were full! The baked beans are a must have, unlike their canned cousins, the beans are not sweet or tomatoey, but instead a flavorful side to go with your meats.

Macks BBQ
(Clockwise from Top Right: Ribs, 1/2 a Pulled Pork

Sandwich with Baked Beans, Bundaberg Ginger Beer)

The corn bread got rave reviews from our gropu Despite all the bread in our sadnwiches, everyone really enjoyed it.

If all you get is corn bread with a side of the beans, while waiting for the 3 PM batch of ribs to get ready, I would call it a successful trip, and there is plenty of interesting and funny wall art to keep you entertained while you wait.

Bottom Line:
Price - $$
Ambience - Casual

Vegetarian Friendly - No

KoJa Kitchen - Food Truck

Their tag line -- Korean-Japanese reinvented. I concur!

I first tried KoJa Kitchen at one of their Saturday shindigs in the Garden City parking lot in San Jose. I was pleasantly surprised to find that they had vegan/vegetarian entrees on their menu. Not something I expect of food trucks, let alone food trucks that serve Korean or Japanese food!

KoJa Kitchen
(Clockwise from Top Right - Mochimisu,
BBQ Beef KoJa and Kamikaze Fries)

I got the Teriyaki Zen with Pineapple (its vegan!), with a side if their vegetarian Kamikaze fries. Not always a fan of teriyaki, or pineapple in my food, I wasn't sure what to expect. The sandwich, served between perfectly cooked rice cakes, was amazing! The rice keeps the Asian feel going, with a perfectly crisp crust. The patty is well seasoned, and the sweetness of the teriyaki and pineapple contrast the spice perfectly.

The traditional Kamikaze fries come topped with beef, but they also have a vegetarian version, which I had to get! The cashier asked whether the kimchi sauce would still be okay since it includes shellfish, its amazing that they are so sensitive to the fact that some people don't eat any meat or seafood!

The rest of the gang got the BBQ Beef KoJa which was also a huge hit! That plus the fries is a pretty large meal though, so make sure you are hungry enough. We also got the Mochimisu (who can resist that name!?) - a tiramisu that uses Japanese mochi in the middle instead of the traditional lady fingers. The result is a definite triumph -- the tiramisu is every bit as decadent as should be, and the mochi adds just the perfect amount of chewiness to it.

All in all, a very successful fusion in my opinion. Don't take my word for it, go judge for yourself!

Find KoJa and many other food trucks near you - http://mvblfeast.com/

Bottom Line:
Price - $
Ambience - Casual

Vegetarian Friendly - Yes

Chat Patta Corner - Fremont

Chaat. The one word that puts a smile on almost every Indian person's face.

<Begin Chaat Education>
Chaat describes a wide variety of savory snacks, typically served at little road-side establishments. Vendors serve up everything from stuffed breads to deep-fried pastries with dipping sauces. Each plate is a symphony of flavors and textures - salty, sweet, sour, crisp and chewy.

Every person has their favorite go-to place, and every region has its own special dish. Sev Puri, Vada-Pav and Ragda Pattice are specialties of Mumbai, and Dahi Bhalla, Papri Chaat are specialties of  Delhi. Pani Puri (called different things in different parts of the country) seems to have a fan follwing everywhere.

Chaat is immensely popular in India and is now gaining popularity in the rest of the world!
<End Chaat Education>

Chaat is something that shows up on the menu at many restaurants, but not all chaat is created equal. Chat Patta Corner (link to yelp site) is one location in the Bay Area that is well known for chaat. Their Pani Puri/Gol Gappa/Puchka (crispy shells filled with spiced water, sweet and spicy chutney, and garbanzo) is excellent, as is their Aloo Papri Chaat (flat crisp crackers topped with boiled potato, yogurt, chutneys, spices and chopped cilantro).

Chat Patta Corner
(Clockwise from Top Right: Pani Puri Accoutrements
Aloo Papri Chaat, Sev Puri)

What makes the pani puri extra special is that they serve it the traditional way, none of that new fangled DIY style - grab a bowl and get in line. When it is your turn, you tell them if you want it spicy, sweet, or medium. The lady proceeds to assemble at full speed, so you better be able to keep up! Every puri has to be eaten in one bite, so you dont spill the contents all over yourself, or worse, look like an amateur!

The Aloo Papri Chaat is a great way to cool off after the spice of the pani puri kicks in. Another must have is their Aloo Tikki Chhole (potato patty topped with spiced garbanzo). The Sev Puri however, is completely passable. The ladies of Chat Patta Corner sure know what they are doing, and the throngs of people that flock to the place are evidence.

If you do make it out to Fremont, remember to get the pani puri, the aloo papri chaat, and the aloo tikki. The Chhaas (mildly seasoned salty buttermilk) is a great finish to the meal, or you can get the Mango Lassi if you so desire.

The decor isn't much, but believe me, one bite of the pani puri, and you won't care!

Bottom Line:
Price - $
Ambience - Casual

Vegetarian Friendly - Yes