Philz Coffee (Downtown Palo Alto) - Review

What was all the fuss about Philz Coffee?  No matter when I pass by this glass-walled cafe, I see tons of people inside. Nevermind about the spectacular customer reviews.

Summary

Disclaimer: this is based on one visit on a springy, Sunday February morning.

Tip: Order first at the barista bar and then go to the cashier and pay.

• All coffee is made to order.
• Service is efficient even though the coffee prep takes time.
• Vibe on a Sunday morning: all kinds of Palo Alto types, slim, trim and wiling to pay $3.25 for a small cup of black coffee. So they are 20-40 somethings typing into laptops and adults with children in jeans, hoodies, button-down shirts, and Patagonia jackets. Some customers are alone
• Pastries to stay are served in huge coffee filters. 
• Baristas take care of your cream and sugar if you want any.
• Lots of individual attention and coffee counseling (as needed). I felt like I could take my time talking (unlike at some places I love in SF) because there was not a long line of customers behind me.
• Lounge chairs, tables, and lots of natural light. Bottom line: I am intrigued! I like it!

MORE….
Went in and wasn’t exactly sure where to go. The place is big and there was a cluster of people both by the cashier and on the other side of the deep barista bar.  But since the staff is attentive, listening was all that was required to figure it out.  Still, maybe Philz could benefit from having someone out on the floor guiding people.

I asked for a black coffee.  I barely glanced at the menu in part to avoid being overwhelmed with choices (I had heard that so many drinks were good here) and because I just wanted black. But the Philz’s hot chocolate was tempting me.  Anyway, I ordered. “This your first time here?” said the long haired man behind the counter. He had a cross earring dangling from his left ear.  He could have been a professional wrestler. In fact the entire line of baristas looked as ethnically and culturally diverse as what you’d find on BART.

He told me: every serving is brewed individually and that I should try Tesora, described on the menu as “a grand representation of our coffee and they way coffee should taste."  He also asked: cream or sugar? We prepare that back here.

At the cash register I asked a kind kid who looked like a graduate student in CS to recommend some pastries. He likes the chocolate croissants best.  When I kept probing, he also suggested the almond twist and the apricot bar. I went with the bar. But I will be back for the other two.

Philz Coffee

101 Forest Avenue

Palo Alto, CA 94301
philzcoffee.com

Deconstructing Calafia's Veggie Burger

This is the California-esque, rainbow-colored Vegetable Soy Lentil Quinoa Burger from Calafia in Palo Alto. If it reads like a mouthful, that's because it is. In fact, it is laboriously more than a mouthful.

Stacked between the halved and dense multigrain bun (speckled with pumpkin seeds and other bird seeds) were:  a thick layer of guacamole, the veggie burger (the yellow slab in the center made from soy, green lentils, quinoa, and brown rice) and beet relish.  

The burger came with pickles, mayo, house ketchup and Dijon mustard.

I must say, this was a weird combination. I usually slather ketchup on my veggie burgers (assuming they are mimicking meat) but ketchup didn't work on this one.  Because the burger was so big, I ended up eating it the way I eat Oreos, which is by taking it apart and eating the layers separately.  However,  I did try to get the flavor of the burger as a whole by stuffing my mouth a few times.   

Each component of the burger was quite tasty on its own.  But together they seemed random, as if someone had come up with a list of stereotypically "Californian" ingredients (eg healthy/nutty/macrobiotic) and attempted to make a dish out of them. Unfortunately here, that person didn't think enough about how those ingredients would go together.   

The ketchup was fresh (making my bottled ketchup seem dull a flavorless) and would be delightful with scrambled eggs or meatloaf. The beet relish would be great on a hotdog with mustard. The guacamole delicious with chips. The burger would go well, I think with a more conventional, softer--even commercial--burger bun. 

Bottom line: for the Vegetable Soy Lentil Quinoa Burger to be memorable, its components need to split up and get together with other ingredients. 

Resurfacing...on a cloud of yogurt

Well.

It has been so long since I've blogged that I almost forgot my log-in info.

Breakfast at Fraiche this morning...before the downpours. Lowfat SF Chronicle Special.

This is dedicated to my two loyal (and perhaps only--especially at this point--) readers, Lola and Danica.

Non-fat SF Chronicle Special.  See what a difference a bit of fat makes!

I think more than the taste of yogurt itself, I love how white and pure it looks.  The stuff is immaculate.    Friend/colleague and I ordered the San Francisco Chronicle Special. Beneath the dollops of white are warm steel-cut oats, with bits of fig, coconut, nuts, strawberries and blueberries.

Compare the lowfat yogurt photo (the first one) to the nonfat yogurt photo.  The former looks like ice cream; the second kinda watery.

I cannot eat nonfat yogurt without a generous coating of honey.  Even Straus' nonfat, which is the kind that Fraiche uses, is just too sour/bitter without massive honey coverage. But no matter, Fraiche has plenty of honey--several varieties, in fact, behind the counter. 

As I settle into winter-break mode I hope to post more regularly, but we shall see.  I have decided I cannot sustain the verbosity of my previous posts so I am considering converting to Twitterdom... oh, but then I never seem to have problem writing endlessly...oh, but that doesn't make for interesting posts...

Danica and Lola: hope you are having fun in your respective parts of the country.  :-)  

Mo' Mocha

The Egoless Boss took me to Coupa for breakfast and we both ordered the Spicy Maya Mocha. She ordinarily reserves her enthusiasm for things she is certain about (eg hard, quantitative data and chocolate truffles), but raves about this drink. Had to try it.

Well, the mocha was surreal. I think it even trumps Spicy Maya hot chocolate, an idea that would have seemed inconceivable just two days ago when I bolted out the door to get my can of $18.50 Spicy Maya chocolate mix.

The mocha gives your throat a hit of tingle at the end, just like the hot chocolate does, but it has added complexity to it, which I would call caramel. WOAH.

Oh man...

To be enjoyed alternately sipping and sighing, with a serene smile on your lips.

Reposado

236 Hamilton Ave
Palo Alto, CA 94301
(650) 833-3151
reposadorestaurant.com

Reviewed 12/5/2009

This place would get a better review were it not for the compulsive service.

They were refilling water when our glasses were still 2/3 full and asking us repeatedly (at least four times) if they could clear off our plates when we were still working on them. This resulted in many interruptions of engaging conversation!

We also wondered if we were being pushed out...so we chose another place for dessert.

These were all probably well-intended gestures, but not the signs of sophisticated service.

I ordered tacos de la calle, which was tasty. And I shared guacamole with my friend. The chips were crispy and light, but the guacamole seemed to me overloaded with salt. We left most of it. My friend ordered sopitas. The presentation was nice but I was too preoccupied in conversation (and perhaps shooing away servers) to ask how the food was.

Sprinkles Cupcakes

393 Stanford Shopping Center
Palo Alto, CA 94304
(650) 323-9300
sprinkles.com

Reviewed 7/9/2009

Hey, if I'm going to consume 1,500 calories in a couple of bites, I want to maximize my pleasure.

But Sprinkles is no longer doing that for me.

I'd give it three stars out of five because it's chic, service is friendly, and it has played a role in the cupcake proliferation around here but: there are way more satisfying ways to inhale that many calories and fat.

I was an enthusiast when it first opened, waiting in 40-minute lines with the Desperate Housewives crowd (OMG how desperate I was) but now that I have become fussy about my cupcakes, I find Sprinkles to be overly sweet and relatively flavorless.

Craving cupcakes, I tried Strawberry and Red Velvet the other day.

If I closed my eyes and tried these two, I would NOT have guessed what flavors they were. In fact, the cake of the Strawberry tasted more like banana to me, and the frosting was just densely whipped confectioner's sugar...and the Red Velvet frosting--not nearly cream cheesy enough for me.

Granted, I am picky because I am spoiled by the options out here. But relative to those, Sprinkles takes the cake! Next time I'm craving something sweet, and I'm close to the Stanford mall, I'll go to La Baguette or See's or even Nordie's cafe for a brownie. I think I'd be more satisfied.

Or, I'd head on over about a mile north to Kara's Cupcakes--still my favorite.

Tamarine

546 University Ave
Palo Alto, CA 94301
(650) 325-8500
http://www.tamarinerestaurant.com/

Reviewed 6/11/2009

We're in a recession? Yeah, riiiiiiiight.

At Tamarine, diners seem to be oblivious.

This swanky place is great for special occasions or business functions. Everyone looks good. Me, I showed up in jeans and felt very self-conscious telling the hostess that I had a reservation there. But I ate like all the beautiful people around me.

Our server, Kami (something like that) was exceptional. Gracious, friendly, knowledgeable, and right on the mark with her recommendations. Though the food is good, it doesn't quite get the same marks.

The run-down:

Tartare-- good, but not excellent. (It didn't strike me as having jumped right out of the ocean.)

Black bean seared tofu (looks like filo dough, but made with tofu skins) - a bit salty, but excellent with lots of rice.

Banana fritter type dessert - good, but again not excellent

Riesling - excellent

Since I'm mostly-vegetarian, I did not touch the quail appetizer or lamb chops, but my dinner companion seemed to enjoy it.

Sum: fine dining in Palo Alto...nice you don't have to go the city for it.

Culture Organic Frozen Yogurt

340 S. California Ave
Palo Alto, CA 94306
(650) 324-0440
www.culturefrozenyogurt.com

Reviewed 10/28/2008

It's not bad if you want sorbet.

This is my evaluation of "original" flavor frozen yogurt.

I'll have to go back for chocolate and strawberry--the "Seasonal" flavor. Didn't know strawberries were in season but I didn't question it. Organic places get all kinds of protections from me.

Now, what is worth writing home about is the topping. I had the clustery pumpkin-seed stuff. Is that available in bulk?!? I would love to put it in regular yogurt! It has a scrumptious roasted, honey flavor.

[Terminator voice] I'LL BE BACK!

Mediterranean Wraps

433 S. California Ave

Palo Alto, CA 94306
(650) 321-8189
http://www.kanzeman.com/medwraps

Reviewed 10/28/2008

I used to love Med Wraps. The word shawarma would set off a flight-or-fight response that screamed: destination Med Wraps.

But now that I've tried other Middle Eastern places, the sympathetic NS says: destination Elsewhere.

This place is good for fast food. It's well priced and quick and the service is delightful. Also the men preparing the food always look like they are enjoying themselves, and the owners care about the customers. This has been the case for years.

But the tabbouleh is consistently too lemony, the humus a bit bland, and tonight the dolma was filled with mush. It was like porridge inside. And the bread is just, well, you could get it from Safeway.

Falafel is the best offering of what I have tried. Actually the chicken shawarma is (or used to be) good too.

I like the festive, inviting and casual and I'd keep going with some improvements in But for now, I‘d rather get my Mediterranean cravings elsewhere. :(

Kara's Cupcakes

855 El Camino Real
Palo Alto, CA 94301
(650) 326-2253
karascupcakes.com

First reviewed
9/22/2008


OMG. This was a slam-dunk/love-at-first bite experience.

I had the Sweet Vanilla and Chocolate Velvet--two of the hottest sellers, I was told.

The cake seems to dissolve in your mouth, and the sprinkles add a delicate crunch giving you multiple flavors and textures in one bite! Chocolate Velvet is chocolaty and almost semi-sweet. It totally meets my cacao standards! And I love its just-right sweetness.

Both cupcakes were moist and light. Afterwards, you don't feel like you've eaten a highly toxic, artery-clogging bomb, which is how I feel post-cupcake a lot of the time.

I can't wait to try Fleur de Sel--chocolate cake w/CARAMEL filling--OMG--topped with ganache, AND finished off with rock salt. OMG. Reminds me of this incredible olive-oil-and-sea-sa lt ice cream topping I had at Bi-Rite. Not to digress or anything.

Man, I live for this stuff.

BTW, the store-front is brown and pink. Supercute, appealing to my girly instincts.

AND get this, they use local and organic ingredients. Did I make clear that I love this place?

Updated Review
12/8/2009

OMG.

I repeat: OMG.

Just tried the Peppermint Twist (dark chocolate cupcake with buttercream frosting and bits of candy cane). It's the subtlest flavor of the ones I have tried. Cake is nice and daaaark, and the frosting is magically dense and light at the same time.

Surreal........sublime....

Every cupcake I have had here has had WOW! factor in every bite.

It is beyond me how a sweet tooth could not possibly love this place as I do.

Ha! And I thought I was getting over my sweet tooth.

Kara's is still The One for me.

Red Mango

429 University Ave
Palo Alto, CA 94301
(650) 324-1811
www.redmangousa.com

Reviewed 6/15/2008

Thought process at Red Mango, first visit:

1. After trying a sample of Green Tea: Flavor is wonderful with a real matcha taste. Needs no toppings.

2. While eating: Too bad the portion is so meager that I can finish my cup in three spoonfuls.

3. Watching friend finish her medium size: $3.85 is way much for the skimpy portion I got. She got a better deal. But even a medium is expensive for what you get! Hmph! Yumi Yogurt rules.

4. Leaving Red Mango: Red Mangos are sprouting, and some people are getting disgustingly rich...I am helping them by coming here...

*Alas, Gidge, isn't this why you weren't sure you wanted to come here in the first place? But as a froyo slave, you ignored your politics and patronized the place--shame, shame!*

I'll get my matcha fix some other way.

6. An hour later: I'd much rather portions of my salary go to Fraiche.

Fraiche Yogurt

644 Emerson St
Palo Alto, CA 94301
(650) 566-0055
www.fraicheyogurt.com

First Reviewed
5/18/2008

Bluebottle coffee, yogurt and dark chocolate--all organic--...these are the foods of the gods, no? Well, were I a god, I would deem them so.

And it does feel divine eating at Fraiche. I feel wholesome and satisfied at the same time. Isn't that what it feels like to be a goddess?

Anyway.

I do feel awfully conformist about raving about this place...who doesn't like Fraiche?!

I used to whine that Fraiche was a haughty place in a haughty town, and that the prices reflected that. (In contrast I love the (relatively) working class charm of Yumi Yogurt.)

Alas, I have been a hypocrite; I have patronized Fraiche on a number of occasions, mostly with visitors from out of town. In the process, I have come to be a loyal fan.

The service is friendly, and the yogurt--dense and creamy--is not at all limey or sorbet-flavored, like at some places (Harmony and Gelayo Gusto's "natural" flavor come to mind). I also love that Fraiche doesn't look factory-manufactured and isn't some mass copy of itself.

If I were in celestialdom, I'd be enjoying the SF Chronicle Special every morning. Just call me Queen Fraiche.

Updated Review
July 2008

I tried chocolate flavor.
Absolute bliss.

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.

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.