Northern California

Well,, after being back almost a week, I have caught up wit all my work & now, I can tell you about all the places I was in when I went to San Francisco, Sausalito & NAPA.

Of course, San Fran to me means Gary Danko's restaurant. Just a one of a kind gorgeous, fabulous place for a special dinner. See my post for that separately.

So, that said, San Fran & Sausalito was:

Piccolo Teatro- a little Italian Bistro with great Sandwiches, Salads, Pasta and Entrees including Rabbit, Fish, and Steak. This place was once (a long time ago) a Speak easy & possibly a Bordello frequented by nobles.

Next, Crustasean. Now, I will say that the one in Los Angeles (Beverly Hills) to be exact) is a much different venue - decor wise. More contemporary- glass floor with fish swimming beneath you, etc. but the menu is the same.

However, I will say that I was a bit disappointed- not in the food, for the most part, but for the fact that the waitress should have informed my friends & I of how LARGE the Dungeness crabs were, (HUHE actually) as we really would have done with 2 for the 4 of us, since we had already ordered 4 appetizers- all of those were wonderful. The dumplings, the ravioli, the giant "drunken" prawns and the lobster salad with wild field greens, fennel and a thai ginger dressing- all excellent.I think they felt badly, as they sent over a delicious baked alaska for dessert, on the house.

On the border of San Fran & Sausalito- at the Ferry Building- Boulette Larder- a wonderful unique spot for breakfast, lunch or dinner. The menu changes daily and the place is just fantastic. Dining outside on a perfect morning , I had poached eggs with organic chick peas- outrageous. The rest of my crew had the cured smoked salmon, sliced paper thin, over whole wheat crispy wafers, capers, cream cheese, organic tomatoes & onions & just mouth watering. The french press coffee was also excellent.

Of course, we did go back to Dotties on morning as well. You will my July Post- this place is NOT to be missed!! Ignore the location & the lines- all worth the wait!!!

Napa:

What can you say about a place that is 8o degrees most of the time, has clear crystal blue skies, vineyards every 20 feet and marvelous places to eat!

See my next post- coming later on this week.