Comment Archives: Locations
Re: “Underground SF”
No frills dance club enjoyment.
Great sound system, friendly staff, strong drinks and diverse crowd!
Re: “Cinnaholic”
When I first passed this place I was drawn inside by an overwhelming fragrance of cinnamon. I was able to create my own cinnamon roll with decadent caramel frosting and then topped with chocolate chips and cookie dough... Wonderfully "CINNFULL"! I go back all the time now. You should go!
Re: “Gather”
I love Gather! I would go back in a heartbeat.
B restaurant a gem in Old Oakland. I went with a few friends and we ordered a bunch of things to share. The food is quite amazing, the focaccia and truffle fries are a must as a starter and their pizza's are perfect. I had the yummy pork chop on the menu and it was delicious! I enjoyed a couple specialty cocktails that were fresh and tasty, the one that comes to mind is the Love on which was fruity and fabulous without being too sweet, it had a perfect balance of flavors. The space itself feels comfortable yet refined, it has an open feel with large windows looking out to charming Old Oakland. I'm absolutely looking forward to coming back again and again!
Re: “Good Vibrations”
I live in L.A. but when i come up north to visit my best friend in San Lorenzo i have to come here to get books and other things i need. I LOVE this place and everyone is very friendly and helpful and very knowledgeable!
Re: “900 Grayson”
My last meal will be a Demon Lover...mmm.....
Re: “Miss Pearl's Restaurant & Lounge (at the Waterfront Hotel)”
Went to the comedy show last week, had a blast the comics were very funny small venue good food and drinks.... Will definately put this one on a rotation for the weekend..
Re: “Niebyl Proctor Marxist Library”
I don't believe in God, but I believe in Tony Serra.
Re: “McGrath's Pub”
WE LIVE IN ALAMEDA AND WE'VE ENJOYED MUSIC AT McGRATH'S SEVERAL TIMES, BUT NOW THEY SAY "NO MORE MUSIC EVER AGAIN" DUE TO "DIFFICULTIES WITH THE CITY". THE TIMES WE HAVE GONE THERE IT WAS VERY LAID-BACK, NOT LOUD ENOUGH TO DISTURB NEIGHBORS, A BIT OLDER MELLOW CROWD, THE KIND OF PLACE I WOULD THINK THE CITY WOULD WELCOME INSTEAD OF SQUEEZING IT OUT. THANKS A LOT, ALAMEDA
Re: “Grand Lake Theater”
The Grand Lake Theater is a gem, a historical beauty with comfortable seats, a large lobby, an amazingly generous owner with a social conscience who donates the theater for important benefits, events, to save the country, the world.
Re: “Giovanni Restaurant”
It was one of those rainy, windswept days in Berkeley - when the cold went through your coat, lodging deeply in your bones.
I didn't care because my friend and I were sitting comfortably warm next to a roaring fireplace at the ORIGINAL GIOVANNI's, a glass of amazing Sangiovese in our hands, dipping pieces of fresh-baked focaccia into a bowl of extra-virgin olive oil & balsamic vinegar...
For those unaware, Giovanni and his family founded this restaurant in 1961 and quickly forged a reputation as being one of the premier Southern Italian (the family is Calabrese) restaurants in the Bay Area. About 17 yrs ago Giovanni decided to retire early and new owners continued the tradition quite successfully until a few years ago, when everything went downhill. Approx 6 months ago Giovanni's daughters, Sara and Anastasia, decided to take on the daunting task of reopening Giovanni themselves, and managed to talk their Dad and Mom (Anna) into helping out.
I personally think they hit a home run! The music of Sinatra, Buble' and Ella softly great you as you enter. There is a full list of great Italian wines - something for every taste at true value... and at lunch you get a free glass of wine (or beer) of your choice. Cool! Like the focaccia, the pasta is made in-house daily, and served simply with olive oil and fresh parmesan. If you prefer, rich and tasty sauces such as Alfredo, White Wine, Vodka and classic Red are all available and well worth trying (I've tasted them all).
On this particular day I had the Chicken Parmesan w/Penne Pasta and Alfredo sauce. I passed on the veggies and asked for a little extra garlic on the pasta. Being lunch my friend first considered the sausage & peppers on a role or the grilled eggplant sandwich, but finally ordered the Veal Marsala with Roasted Potatoes & Sautéed Veggies. The cheese on my chicken was soft, flavorful and not tough or stringy like so many places serve... the chicken was so moist and tender you literally could cut it with your fork. Pasta was to die for. I managed to get a taste of the veal marsala before it was gone - real, tasty veal (not the "imitation" so often passed-off as veal to save money). Well, I know that's my next meal here...
By the way, service is both welcoming and attentive, and either Mom or Dad are present at lunch or dinner, and the beautiful Sara or the dazzling Anastasia are always present --greeting you, making sure orders are right, and generally overseeing the smooth running of the restaurant.
Now back to the important part: Dessert! With more wine firmly in hand we ordered both the Cannoli and the Tiramisu... I don't normally eat cannoli in restaurants because I'm always comparing it to my Grandmother's (who originally was from Calabria before settling in New Jersey). I know some of the desserts are made in-house, and since this cannoli was like I remember Grandma's -- just so damn good -- I have to believe that Anna had a hand in making this! Oh, and the Tiramisu? I did what I always do: eat my share at lunch and then order another to take home for that late-night snack with my lady friend (I mean... what girl could resist mascarpone cheese, raw eggs, sugar, espresso coffee, ladyfingers, dark rum, chocolate shavings and whipped cream... light, creamy, smooth, the rich aroma of strong coffee and the tantalizing hint of the liquor? How seductive is that?)
ORIGINAL GIOVANNI may not be the perfect restaurant nor have a trend-setting, Northern Italian fusion-style kitchen that many Bay Area diners seem to prefer after watching the latest episode of Top Chef... BUT, if you want a place that's both fun and romantic, good for business meetings or relaxing with friends... a place where you get good ingredients in classic dishes, prepared simply and where the presentation is not more important then the taste, and where everything is done with true love and caring - then ORIGINAL GIOVANNI is for you!
Re: “Sugar Mountain Studios”
is there a contact for this venue? for bands on tour trying to find a show?
facebook.com/cigarettebums
Re: “Massimo's”
This is a real gem. It's in a strip mall. Table side preparation of some of the dishes are great. Best warm spinach salad I've ever had.
Re: “PIQ”
Great service, quality products with reasonable pricing, beautiful atmosphere... what more could one ask for?
Re: “The Breakroom Cafe”
I LOVE LOVE LOVE this place!! A reg for me!
The staff is great and everything is made on the premises except a few minor things, if that. Mostly organic and the food is incredible!!!! GO THERE!!!
I take everyone there who visits, they all love it. Even the meat eaters in the fam.
Re: “Taste of the Himalayas”
I bought a coupon for this place. We went here before heading downtown.
\As soon as we walked in, the staff was right there with smiles and welcoming arms. They are very knowledgeable and very quick to satisfy. Best of all I can watch them make my food. The food was amazing!!!!!!!!!!!
This place is mostly organic and very vegan friendly!!! Regular stop for me!!
Re: “The Bistro”
the best pub for micro brews and IPA'S add the fact they have live music every night with no cover charge and you have a great place for nights out or just to drop by for a beer