La Note - Berkeley

La Note is an authentic is a cute little French restaurant in the heart of downtown Berkeley. The warm, inviting interiors are unfussy, and full of French charm. The menu is a mix of bistro fare, and rustic Provençal dishes.

Despite being with a vegetarian group, we found there were plenty of options on the menu. From a brie and Provençal tomato sandwich, to Ratatouille, to French style lasagna or ravioli -- there was something for everyone.

We quickly settled on the sandwich, and the ravioli. The restaurant was still pretty busy though we were there pretty late.

Our dinner arrived - the brie and tomato sandwich came on a perfectly crisped French roll, and a side of country potatoes. Carb overload, I know, but it was a rainy night... Don't judge! The melted brie, and the confit tomatoes added just the right amount of chewiness.

The ravioli was also very French. The sauce more like a ragout -- rustic, but with entirely unique flavors, and came with plenty of mushrooms.

We skipped dessert, and got espresso. French roast, of course. The coffee came with just the right amount of some really good chocolate.

We left with full stomachs, and completely satisfied. More than we expected for a quick dinner late at night. I would absolutely like to go back to try their pate, and the mussels.

If you are in the area, I highly recommend you check them out!

Bottom Line:

Price - $$
Ambience - Rustic
Vegetarian Friendly - Yes

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