NOLA Restaurant & Bar

535 Ramona St

Palo Alto, CA 94301

(650) 328-2722

Reviewed 9/30/2007

Cute courtyard and terrific mojitos, but totally average food.

If you must go, as my girlbud and I did because we are single and wanted to know what the fuss was all about (e.g., people spilling out onto the sidewalk when I have driven by in the past), I recommend the seating on the second floor, overlooking the courtyard. We amused ourselves by checking out what other people were ordering, such as fishbowls filled with booze.

The "Frites," which we ordered expressly for the okra and eggplant, should be renamed "Mostly French Fries." Mahi mahi tacos were simply OK. Lamb chop was reportedly a little tough, said the bud.

We felt a little deflated because we were expecting better food and a more reasonable check. The wise know that you go here for atmosphere rather than food.

We went next door to Old Pro afterwards, which was far more exciting. When the man next to us got his order of a ginormous burger and thick onion rings, we tried not to stare, wishing we'd gone there for food instead.

Noodle Shop

164 W 25th Ave

San Mateo, CA 94403

(650) 345-1277

Reviewed 9/23/2007

It was a carb-extravaganza at this place, and I felt like Totoro afterwards.

True, that is a common feeling I have after going out for a meal. But I really did feel like a sugar bomb having eaten all those white noodles and dumpling skins and sticky rice cakes. What me, watching my carbs?

On a five-star scale, I’d give this one four stars respectfully for:

1. being inexpensive
2. being convenient (e.g., parking is possible)
3. as many others have commented--being "clean" (obviously noteworthy among certain Asian businesses)
4. elastic noodles that hold up in steaming broth until the end

This place is no-frills, and basic, as in minimal and robotic, service. Walk another block past the more uppity Italian place and the hostess is smiling warmly thorough the tinted glass, but here you wonder if your order translated or got processed. That said, service was prompt and we got what we ordered.

Green veg dumplings were very moist and flavorful. Skins were satisfyingly chewy. The veg noodles were covered generously with ribbon tofu stuffed with shitake, and a small handful of of spinach. Since I dislike the texture of soggy noodles, I habitually inhale Asian soup, burning the inside of my mouth in process. I don't have to do this at this joint as the noodles remain al dente until chewed on.

The prob I have with a depthless bowl of soup is that I get bored with the taste after a while. But this is an aside, and that's my problem.

Noodle Soup gets applause for its soup portions.

My dining buddy was fine with her Sesame and Peanut Pork Noodles, though she said the meal was neither particularly spicy nor peanut-y. I eat like a Hindu, so I sampled neither her noodles nor her porky dumplings, which she also liked.

We did, however, share dessert, which we both loved and wished there was more of. It was the Black Bean Soft Rice Balls (or something like that).

These are like Japanese mochi, but milder in flavor with a filling that is viscous but not pasty. They were covered in a taro (I think) powder and they were soft and warm. We suspect they were hand-kneaded. They reminded me of miniature Hostess Snowball cupcakes--Chinese style. Great for a smile.

Thai Delight Cuisine

1700 Shattuck Ave

Berkeley, CA 94709

(510) 549-0611

Reviewed 8/5/2007

Thai Delight fits right in amongst its heavy hitting neighbors in the Gourmet Ghetto. Serving organic veggies and free-range meat, it's a cozy restaurant with walls the color of lettuce leaves, and it The tables are small, the lighting is soft, and the place is quiet, making it a great place for intimate conversation. This was true of a Sunday evening around 8PM, when almost every table was occupied.

The service is inconspicuous and attentive.

You can get cheaper Thai elsewhere, but probably not with such a charming ambiance. (But I could be wrong--not nearly as knowledgeable about Berkeley as I'd like.)

We ordered the organic version of tom yam gai (sour chicken soup) and red curry. These were both beautiful dishes distinct with flavor. Chunks of cabbage and jagged carrots strips floated in the creamy sour soup. The coconut-flavored curry was vibrant with freshly steamed broccoli, string beans, and bits of chicken. (Grrr! I should have taken pictures of these beauties!)

But I had a lil' issue with both dishes. It was the rubbery fragments attached to the bits of chicken. They were impossible to chew and the thought of swallowing them grossed me out so I decided to secretly spit them into my napkin. The problem was I was with someone I wanted to impress, and we were engrossed in conversation. On the one hand, I did not want him to break eye contact with me; on the other hand, I prayed he might suddenly bolt from the table. I just wanted a moment to myself. Anything to avoid ugly table behavior or swallowing! I also wanted to eat more food, which I held off on until I could dispose of this nasty stuff which ended up being secured between my molars and cheek until he finally he looked down. I then did my thing hoping he saw nothing.

Still, everything else about the place was worthy of an excellent review. Next time I will go meatless. There are plenty of options like varieties of tofu, and wild fish. I have much faith that they will not disappoint. And perhaps in ordering those dishes, I'll have better table manners.

Annapoorna

2299 S El Camino Real

San Mateo, CA 94403

(650) 345-4366

Reviewed 8/5/2007

I have yet to enjoy Indian food without tearing into it like it's the speed eating championships. But a visit to Annapoorna has taught me to exercise control lest I require emergency services after a meal to regain mobility.

In short, if you like dosa, and idly, GO. This simple, little place features delightful fillings in its dosa, and the idly is the best I've ever had, including in India--woah, could this be true?!

We ordered the special combo (idly, medhu vada (lentil doughnut) and spring dosa), aloo bonda (deep-fried mashed potato), and onion masala dosa.

The spring dosa (featuring shredded cabbage) was fantastic save for the chili peppers that I ended up digging out. The spiciness didn't kick in until it was too late (I mentioned speed-eating earlier) and before I knew it, I was experiencing mild but annoying hot flashes associated with extreme sports and spicy food. I had to order a lassi to refresh me.

I will order the spring dosa again--I'll just know better next time to have them hold the chilies. Note: I am a spice wimp (except when it comes to wasabi), so those who like it hot will not have a problem. The masala dosa filling, with bits of sauteed onions, had nuts and lentils inside. Spiced with ginger, it was pleasantly tingling.

The place is spartan, but not tacky. And I liked our friendly and efficient service. I can see myself becoming a "regular" there.

I am looking forward to my next meal there when I order the deep-fried banana in chickpea batter.

Jupiter

2181 Shattuck Ave

Berkeley, CA 94704

(510) 843-8277

Reviewed 7/29/2007

Jupiter represents what I love about Berkeley. It is classy but laid-back, tasty but inexpensive, friendly but sophisticated. It is a "place to be," without being pretentious.

If that's not enough, the place features live jazz, alfresco dining, and is situated in one of the world's bastions of progressive thought.

In a word, it is otherworldly. That will be my last intended pun, but it will be hard to resist cliches and attempts at poetry because I adore the place. Jupiter, O Jupiter...

When I went on a Friday evening at around 7:30, it was packed and festive, with waitstaff bustling and parties of people hovering over little tables. Jupiter's bricky decor makes you feel like you are in a stylish place, and its popularity makes you feel you are where everyone wants to be. We wanted to sit outside, a self-seating section, but our chances looked bleak because every seat was filled. So we put our names down for indoor seating. I was felt a little gypped.

It's not that the indoor section is unattractive--indeed, it is certainly hopping--but knowing how lively and charming the patio is, I would have felt confined and disgruntled there. Outdoors, you'll find impatiens, a fireplace, cooks preparing quesadillas on a grill, and a band! And not just any band. Every time I've been to Jupiter, the band was good enough to Google when I got home. Sure, it may be cozy and a little warmer inside, but there are heat lamps on the patio and stars overhead.

Anyway, I got my wish as we spotted some people getting up and we promptly secured a table. A few moments later, sipping my pomegranate cider and listening to music, I was in bliss. The band wasn't yet playing, but some kind of wonderful jazz was. I indulged the moment of being in one of my favorite cities, at one of my favorite venues. Plus it was Friday, and my favorite cyclist was doing well at the Tour de France.

A lively jazz fusion band called Kapakahi started jamming around 8pm. They were great.

I ordered the spinach and albacore tuna salad, which was simple but satisfying, and later shared a Cassiopeia pizza (grilled chicken drizzled with BBQ sauce) with my friend. I recommend Jupiter's thin-crusted pizzas. They are good, well-priced, and because they are not smothered with cheese, you can taste what else is on them. I like to order them with a big group as you can try a variety.

The service at Jupiter deserves special note, at least on this recent evening. Despite how bustling the place was, with hungry diners everywhere and lingering customers clogging the narrow walkways, everyone I encountered on the staff (and there were many) was friendly.

My friend and I hung out from the time the sun began to set way past the point that you could see stars clearly over head.

Jupiter does not serve dessert, but that might as well be the case because there are two highly rated gelato places, Gelato Naia and Gelato Milano, across the street (Yelp). Not been to the latter, but I have been to Naia some time ago and loved it. Not only were the flavors creative and yummy, but I was quite taken by the displays, which seemed novel at the time (e.g., a real coconut dunked in the bin with the coconut flavored gelato).

Chaat Paradise

165 E El Camino Real

Mountain View, CA 94040

(650) 965-1111

Reviewed 7/22/2007

I forget my table manners when going to this vegetarian paradise because it is impossible to not want to grab and scarf down everything on the table before anyone else does.

Good thing the place is casual (near dumpy in looks) and the service is nonchalant.

Tip: go early, or on a weird day like Monday. Many people love this place. At 9:30 PM on a Saturday night some time ago, the place looked like a disco.

If you have a good appetite, you might find as I do that the portions are small enough that you can order a bunch of different things even if with just another person.

Last night I went with a foodie girlfriend and we practically licked the plates dry. The servers kept coming by to remove dishes, but we told them unashamedly-- at least on two occasions--that we weren't quite finished polishing them off yet.

There's not a dish on the list below that I wouldn't order again (the last two I didn't try--shame on me--but the foodie-pal whose opinions I swear by approved).

What we ordered with special dishes noted:

• Papadum
• Raita
• Roti - The stuff stretches--an essential with the food.
• Masala roti - Flavorful, a little spicy and the size of a dinner-plate.
• Pani poori - A little sweet, a little spicy. A big hit.
• Masala Bhindi (okra w/tomatoes) - One of the prettiest Indian dishes I have seen.
• Spinach dahl - My friend said it was little runny. True, it was not at all thick--in fact, I was spooning it onto my roti since I wasn't able to lift much up when I dragged the roti in it. BUT I didn't have any issue with the flavor!
• Mango lassi
• Aloo paratha

Dinner was $37 with the tip.

We wobbled out of the restaurant almost uncomfortably stuffed, but otherwise quite happy.

Naglee Park Garage

505 E San Carlos St

San Jose, CA 95112

(408) 286-1100

Reviewed 7/18/2007

I went last Sunday evening with a girl friend to an Elite Yelper event. The sun was descending, and a lovely beach-like breeze was lifting the heat off our skin. It seemed a shame to be indoors, even in SJ, especially since it is usually a lot warmer. The weather made Naglee seem an "It" place to be with its casual picnic tables, cozy bar and live music. I liked the neighborhood feel of the place--it is plunked right in the middle of a residential area--and I could imagine cozying up to someone special and enjoying a movie there on a summer night. In fact, the Sound of Music will be projected on one of its walls some time soon.

As guests of Naglee, we were offered yummy samplings--buffet style-- from its menu. I confined myself to the flavorful and gorgeous veggies: red and yellow beets marinated in vinegar, asparagus spears sliced and steamed to this (how did they do this) tender-but-crunchy consistency, bruschetta (very tasty), baby brussels sprouts coated with some kind of addictive cream sauce (who knew brussel sprouts could be so good). My favorite (and it was a close fight with the brussels sprouts) was the butternut squash. It's called gratin, I was told, because of the dish it is baked in. The squash looks like it has been sliced thin and layered. It's soft, but not mushy, and is topped sparingly with some kind of cheese. Not sure what the flavors were, but it was mild (which is appropriate for the subtle flavor of squash) and amazingly good. Apparently, others thought so too.

There was also chicken, and a whole salmon, but I didn't try them. (Though I love cows, and don't eat them, I am not a vegetarian. Anyways, I wouldn't be surprised if they were very good.) As the designated driver, I also did not try the interesting-looking booze in attractive bottles that people around me were enjoying. Next time.

I want to underscore how beautiful the veggies looked. So vibrant in color. Yeah, so beets are naturally a lovely wine color, but those beets looked absolutely radiant. Nice presentation contrasting the colors!

A band was playing upbeat tunes the whole time. Noise level was just right--loud, but not too loud that you had to shout. They were also right there, in front of you--adding to the cozy, neighborhoody-feel of the place. Problem is, I do not like country. At all. That said, the quality of their playing sounded good and they weren't unbearable, even though they did country covers of songs like "Centerfold."

Except for one young guy who ignored me though I passed by him several times, the staff at Naglee was very hospitable. They replenished the food before it ran out, offered drinks and laid-back kindness. They also didn't kick us out though we lingered hours past our reserved time.

Taipan

560 Waverley St

Palo Alto, CA 94301

(650) 329-9168

Reviewed 7/21/2007

Okay, applying The New York Times scale, the three stars = Very Good

(Some readers' eyes are rolling, but really I am trying to be fair here ;-) I deal with evaluations professionally and standards are a chronic issue!)

Went here with the folks on a recent Saturday afternoon around 1PM. Greeted warmly and led inside the elegant but largely empty restaurant. We were seated next to a couple with children, the only other party there when we arrived.

We ordered dim sum. Ming's selection is far better, so go there if you want the "real" dim sum experience, which includes an atmosphere of packed tables and casual flair. Ming's also has FAR BETTER vegetarian options. However, Taipan's food seem like it might be of superior quality. At least based on one little visit. And while I wish the place had windows in its main section, it is a good-looking place in a reserved, dignified way. An appropriate setting for certain kinds of company or conversation!

We ordered steamed pork dumplings, turnip cakes, rice noodles, lettuce cups, and Chinese broccoli. That's it? Perhaps a few other things but I can't remember exactly. These dishes were all very appetizing, especially the lettuce cups. In fact, I was disappointed when one of the servers brought to us a second serving of them and withdrew them when she realized they should have gone to another table. Damn!

The Chinese broccoli had no bitter aftertaste (it does at Ming's) and its sauce was more delicate. (Can't help to make comparisons.)

The pan-fried rice noodles had flavor all cooked into them, giving them a slightly smokey flavor. I am more accustomed to a plainer version of rice noodles that are drizzled with sauce sauce, but now prefer the former.

Since customers wanting dim sum order a la carte, the place is really preparing it just for you. As such, one expects higher quality than at a place like Ming's. But I still like Ming's for its variety, and precisely for its casual ambiance. You can eat like a pig at Ming's; it's not as easy to do that at Taipan. Better to be more civilized.

On the other hand, the place is nice enough to bring familiar dignitaries, like parents. And I do like it when dishes are placed on the table with care.

Next time, I'd like to go to Taipan for dinner, with a large group of people.