Blowfish Sushi to Die For, Santana Row

Ever since I saw "The Sopranos" season opener this week, I've been craving sushi. (Imagine that! I have something in common with Carmella!) So today, I made my sister go to Blowfish Sushi with me.

As usual, the food itself was good, a solid B. We shared the spicy hamachi roll, ritsu roll and unagi nigiri. I also ordered the tempura lunch box -- not the greatest tempura, but I liked the selection of veggies and the fact that it included three pieces of shrimp.

The service was friendly and efficient, although my sister commented that she could do without a server with a bare midriff. The ambiance? Well... This place is really best appreciated in the evenings. The noise level, Japanese anime, dim lighting etc., are good for a Friday night outing (when you can enjoy their delicious cocktails, too), but not so much for a lunch in the middle of a workday.

Blowfish Sushi to Die For
335 Santana Row
Suite 1010
San Jose, CA
(408) 345-3848

Piz-Wich?

In my book, sandwiches are sandwiches and pizzas are pizza. A sandwich should not try to be a pizza, and vice versa. Examples: Philly Cheesesteak Pizza, BLT Pizza.

Yes, BLT Pizza. Since yesterday was the start of March Madness, the office ordered pizza for lunch. And, normally I think that pizza is a perfectly fine food choice when watching the basketball games on the big-screen in the back. BUT the BLT Pizza was wrong in so many ways. First of all, when you look at it, it looks like dough with salad (tomatoes, lettuce) on top. And then once you actually bite into it, you find bacon (yesssss!) and... ranch sauce (noooooooo!). To no one's surprise, there was still a plethora of BLT Pizza left over at the end of the day.

I actually think that McHart's has very good pizza, but I would stay clear of the BLT one. You've been warned.

J.T. McHart's Pizza Restaurant
19732 Stevens Creek Boulevard
Cupertino, CA
(408) 255-0500

Little Store Restaurant, Woodside

During last week's drive up to Alice's, I noticed the Little Store Restaurant for the first time. Jon, being an avid bicyclists, had rode past the place many times. He had asked around about it, and gotten positive feedback. So we decided to check it out on Saturday night.

Just past the main intersection in Woodside (where you'll find Robert's and Buck's), lies this rustic spot marked by an old Model A Ford parked in front of it. The building -- a historic landmark -- has been around since 1902. Yes, it actually was a general store in a previous life; it was also a gas station in the 1960s.

Now, when you step inside the Little Store, you'll find about ten tables topped with red-and-white checkered oilcloth (kid-friendly!). The bar area has a half dozen or so stools, and you can easily watch the TV from there. (The night we went, the cooks were fixated on a soccer match.) The restaurant's vibe is warm, cozy and laid-back. Our waitress -- the only waitress -- was super-friendly, and greeted everyone who walked in like an old friend.

The menu at the Little Store includes all-American classics (burgers, fried chicken, hot dogs, pastas, salads), as well as a few Mexican dishes (burritos, quesadillas). For our first visit here, I opted for the Southern fried chicken and Jon went with a Rodeo Burger (bacon, cheddar, beer-battered onion rings, barbecue sauce). Both of our entrees came with a side of crispy fries. My plate also included a pile of lima beans, corn and peas -- just buttery enough to make me consume all of my vegetables (not a common occurrence for me).

We gave our entire meal a thumbs-up. In addition to the good food and service, the prices were quite reasonable. Our bill was about $40, including drinks (an Oreo shake for Jon, hot apple cider for me) and a yummy slice of Key Lime Pie. The dessert menu features a few pies, but is mostly comprised of ice-cream treats. There's also a good beer and wine selection. And, this being Woodside, why not order an Angus hot dog with a glass of Moet?

Little Store Restaurant
3340 Woodside Road
Woodside, CA
(650) 851-8110

Another New Indian Restaurant in Palo Alto

Mantra (located in the old Stoa space) just opened on Wednesday at 632 Emerson Street in Palo Alto. (650) 332-3500.

Here's Open Table's description of the restaurant:

Mantra offers elegant California cuisine with subtle Indian influences. Chef Robert Ciborowski from famed French Laundry and three different Ritz Carlton properties uniquely combines the traditional French cooking techniques with fresh California ingredients with hints of subtle Indian flavors. Robert also uses the traditional Indian Tandoori Clay Oven in an untraditional way when he uses it to broil his eclectic dishes like Honey Glazed Breast of Duck. To preserve and enhance the subtle flavors infused by Cognac Glazed Puree, Parsnip and Chestnut puree, Ginger and Ham broth. Mantra decor has blended the old Victorian charm of the historic Bijou Theatre of Palo Alto. The bold modern architecture elements to create a truely warm, colorful and alive ambiance. Mantra is introducing a brand new modern and grand amber-lit Daru Lounge. Other architectural elements include beautiful contemporary lithograph paintings from Indian masters like MF Hussian and SH Raza.

Hopefully, the restaurant's web site will offer more information next week...

Bacon!

I think the title of this post says it all: I have been eating bacon non-stop this week! So last night, I incorporated bacon into my dinner by making "The Elvis" sandwich.

I first had one of these years ago, at the Peanut Butter & Co. in New York City. (Apparently, it is their most popular sandwich.) While the bacon is optional, um, I don't know why you would NOT opt for it. So here's what it is: A sandwich comprised of peanut butter (chunky or creamy will work), bananas, honey and bacon. Grill it up and enjoy!

Chow South?

In today's Inside Scoop, Tony Gulisano of Chow and Park Chow says that he is planning to continue expanding his restaurant empire. Much to my delight, he is considering a location in the Peninsula! How fabulous would THAT be!?! (I adore Park Chow in San Francisco's Inner Sunset district.)

And Home -- another comfort food/affordably-priced SF eatery -- may eventually open up in Palo Alto.

My fingers are crossed for both to happen!

New Restaurant in Palo Alto

I have no idea what "eclectic modern Indian" cuisine is, but I think I need to find out... Junnoon, which means "craziness," is a new restaurant in downtown Palo Alto (across from Miyake). The Bollywood-inspired eatery was originally scheduled to open a few months ago, but from what I can tell, it opened just a few days ago.

Junnoon
150 University Avenue
Palo Alto, CA 9430`
(650) 329-9644

What's Cooking: Flan

I don't know why it took me three decades to make flan. Growing up, it was my absolute favorite dessert. Maybe I always equated its deliciousness with complicatedness? (Maybe I just made up some words?)

Anyway! I was craving flan the other night and, upon pulling up this recipe, realized that it: 1) requires very little culinary skill, 2) requires tools that I do indeed own, and 3) requires pantry items so basic that they could actually be found in my kitchen.

So I made me some flan (yes, just for me -- Jon is not a fan of the flan). It turned out so awesome. I quartered the recipe and ended up with three custard cups full of goodness.

I devoured them all that very night. All by myself.

Evvia, Palo Alto

Jon's parents were recently in town for a quick stop-over on their way to Hawaii. We would be dining out with them just one night, so we wanted to pick a place that would blow them away. And Evvia did just that.

This Greek restaurant has long been on our list of local places to try. Having read a plethora of positive reviews and having dined at its sister restaurant in San Francisco (Kokkari), we were confident that a great meal was in store for us. Evvia has a warm and rustic feel to it -- with a large fireplace in the middle of the main dining space, lots of wooden beamwork and handmade pottery lining the walls.

To start, I ordered the Fava Kroketes, a trio of yellow peas and ladotiri cheese fritters. They were fantastic. Jon and his parents each ordered the Horiatiki, a classic Greek salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, green pepper, red onion, olives and feta. Not a bite was left in any of their bowls.

Next up, I ordered a delicious and tender Kokinisto me Manestra, a braised lamb shank served on top of orzo. Jon's mom had been hoping the menu would include Moussaka -- a casserole with eggplant, lamb ragout, potatoes and a yogurt bechamel -- and sure enough, it did. The baked dish lived up to her expectations. Jon and his dad both went with the Souvlaki, a skewer or beef filet, mushroom and onion; it was accompanied by a wonderful wild rice pilaf.

I made sure not to devour all of my yummy lamb so that I could handle a dessert course. Baklava! It was crunchy (the pistachios), it was flaky (the layers of phyllo), it was sweet (honey syrup) -- it was awesome and totally worth saving room for. Jon's mom tried the Rizogalo, which is a rice pudding with poached dried fruits on top of a crispy kataifi. The three different layers all worked beautifully together: there was the sweetness from the fruit (cherries, apricots); the creaminess of the pudding; and then the crunchiness of the kataifi (which resembles shredded wheat cereal).

The service matched the ambiance -- friendly and inviting. We all agreed that Evvia was a great choice for dinner, and that repeat visits may be in order.

Evvia
420 Emerson Street
Palo Alto, CA
(650) 326-0983

Alice's Restaurant, Woodside

"You can get anything you want at Alice's Restaurant..."

Although it may not be THE Alice's that Arlo Guthrie sang about (that one is in Massachusetts), this Woodside establishment has been packing them in for over half a century. The restaurant's wooden structure -- located at the top of Skyline Boulevard -- is actually about 100 years old. But it started out as a general store, and was later turned into a restaurant in the 1950s. In the '60s, Alice Taylor purchased it and renamed the spot. It has since changed ownership a couple more times, yet maintains its homey and rustic feel.

The diners here run the gamet, from families to young college students to bikers. Jon and I recently took the in-laws here.

I ordered the Joe's Special -- scrambled eggs with ground beef, spinach, onions, mushrooms and cheese served with a biscuit and hash browns. Although it was good, after seeing everyone else's reaction to their sandwiches, I think I should have picked something from the lunch menu instead. Jon's dad had the tuna melt; his mom opted for a turkey sandwich; and Jon couldn't resist the BLT. They each raved about their food.

We also ordered some garlic fries and beer-battered onion rings. Delicious! Often, garlic fries are heavy on the garlic, but the actual texture of the fries is overlooked. Alice's, however, were nice and crispy.

The next time we make the trip here, I think I'll try the BMW burger -- bacon, sauteed mushrooms, Worcestershire sauce and jack cheese. Mmmm... Quite a few menu items make reference to motorcycles, a nod to many of Alice's loyal patrons. The curvy road leading you to the restaurant is a big draw for riders.

Alice's Restaurant
17288 Skyline Boulevard
Woodside, CA
(650) 851-0303

Eating Elsewhere: Los Cabos, Mexico

We just got back from Mexico -- where all we did was eat, relax on the beach, eat, relax by the pool, eat, relax on the daybed on our terrace, eat ... You get the picture. I'm fairly certain I added on a few extra pounds during the trip, but this could not be confirmed; when I stepped on the scale in the hotel room, an error message kept popping up on the screen. Hmmm ... Not a good sign.

Okay, with all of the eating we did, I of course have a couple of recommendations -- should you find yourself in Los Cabos any time soon. We enjoyed so many good meals at the resort, but I'll share with you the highlight of our excursions "into town":

• San Jose del Cabo - Although still a tourist hot spot, SJ has more of an authentic vibe than CSL. There aren't people on the streets trying to aggressively hustle you into their store and you won't find TOO many American chains on the main street, Boulevard Antonio Mijares. The heat may tempt you into the Baskins-Robbins there, but don't do it. Instead, head to this little ice cream/popsicle store that I should have written down the name of but didn't. However, I can direct you there: It's on Coronado (I think), about two blocks from Mijares. The popsicles were not just simply frozen fruit juice. Mine had bite-size chunks of mango imbedded throughout. It was both beautiful to look at (sort of mosaic-like) and wonderful to eat. Especially since it was about 90 degrees out.
  
• Cabo San Lucas - Yes, downtown is home to a Hard Rock Cafe, Houlihan's and Ruth's Chris Steak House. But if you venture off Boulevard Marina and onto Ignacio Zaragoza, you'll be rewarded with amazing and affordable food. We were instructed to visit Los Claros, which was emphasized as a "Mexican restaurant" -- meaning, there is limited English spoken there and not a lot of tourists. Worked for us. The fish tacos were so frickin' awesome. I can't even put it into words. The fish is fried right there, in front of you, in a little trolley. Then you take your plate to the condiment area, where all sorts of garnishes and salsas await you. I also tried the oyster tacos -- equally delicious! And each taco cost us roughly $1. I would have gone back again and again if only the cab ride to CSL wasn't $28 each way.

With all of the churros I've eaten this week (poolside! so decadent!), I think I need to sign up for a gym membership ...