Progressive Dinner - San Mateo/Burlingame

Plan:

• Drinks - Grape and Grain, San Mateo
• Dinner - Stella Alpina Osteria, Burlingame
• Dessert - Delizie, San Carlos

Goal: Drink + Entree + Dessert for $50 per person (or less)

We started at Grape & Grain in San Mateo on a laid back Sunday evening. Most people were braving the crowds at the mall, trying to get their holiday shopping done, we were chilling at this really neat bar. Bar doesnt sufficiently describe it though, it is part lounge, part bar, with loads of character. They have a great collection of beers, and wines, and the olive and cheese platter we ordered were the perfect complement to the drinks we ordered. Its an ideal hangout for drinks after work, or to grab a few drinks before dinner.

Our drinks order:
Stillwater  'Existent' Dark  Saison - Baltimore
Stone 'Cali-Belgique' Belgian Style IPA - San Diego
Handley Gewurztraminer - Andersen Valley, CA

On to Stella Alpina -- I was told their white truffle gnocchi was legendary. The gnocchi was everything I was told, and more. Yummy pillows stuffed with white truffles served with crispy sage in brown butter -- only thing I would have added is perhaps some parsley for freshness, but other than that the dish was perfect! The added bonus, it comes as an appetizer size portion allowing you to enjoy another dish for your entree. 


Stella Alpina
(Entrees - Clockwise from Top Left: Scottadito di Agnello,
Filetto alla "Monferrina", Fish Piccata, Roasted Heirloom
Tomato Risotto with Scallops
Bottom Row - L to R: White Truffle Gnocchi,
Apple Tart with Ice Cream, Creme Brulee)


Our entrees were fantastic too. From the fish, to the risotto and the meats, everything was cooked and seasoned to perfection. The only complaint was that the vegetables served with the meats could have been steamed better.

As you can see above, dinner was a bit of a production, so we decided to order dessert at the same place. We ordered the apple tart, creme brulee and an affogato. Personally, I am not a fan of apple pie, but this tart came out on a flaky crisp crust, with perfectly baked apples. The creme brulee was good too, the sugar caramelized to perfection. My personal favorite, the affogato, with caramel ice cream was an absolute treat. The espresso, was excellent and added a lot to the affogato.

Bottom Line:

Price - $$
Ambience - Classy

Vegetarian Friendly - Yes

Success Measure:

FAIL: Unfortunately, we were unable to keep to our goal of spending under $50 per person, in part because we ended up getting a few drinks. Lesson learned!

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

The Refuge - San Carlos

If you love pastrami, the Refuge is the place to go.  Another plus, they have over a 100 beers, Belgian beers, and upwards of 20 on tap everyday.

A colleague of our who grew in New York was impressed with their Pastrami sandwich - I guess there isn't a bigger compliment than that!

OK - so on to the stuff that counts. Pastrami is the way to go. If it isn't clear from this post, and their website, GET THE PASTRAMI! There are a few different combinations to choose from depending on what you like in your sandwich, and they are not stingy with the pickles. The pastrami is the real deal. It is moist and tender, one bite and you can't stop till its all gone!

If you do not eat beef, well, theres not too many things you can choose from on the menu... They have a scallop salad on the menu that is really good. The perfectly cooked scallops are well seasoned, and the Asian inspired dressing is interesting - it has a hint of ginger, sesame oil, and coffee?? I know it sounds weird, but it is actually quite good. Besides it is served on the side, so you can always leave it off. The salad is perfectly yummy without it.

The Refuge
(Clockwise From Top Right: Pastrami Sandwich,
Scallop Salad, Steak Parmesan Sandwich)

The Refuge is a very popular lunch destination, so go early! When we got there just past noon, there were a few empty tables, but by the time we got done, every table was occupied! In  fact, if you can go for lunch, and stay for happy hour, even better!

Bottom Line:
Price - $$
Ambience - Casual

Vegetarian Friendly - No