"Mad" Miles' Favorite Restaurants

[tdavis]

Had lunch at Aioli today. Super nice folks with a nicely varied menu. We enjoyed a yummy panini and the perfect veggie wrap. The apple turnovers were just the right treat after we devoured our sandwiches.

[Melodymama]

Mad Miles wrote:

I've had Chef Autumn's crab cakes (twice, and each order is one large crab cake with salad $12 and change.), and I can say they are the best I've ever had.

I am glad I remembered this from waay back. I was there yesterday and shared an order with a friend and we were both full and happy. I told them it was becasue of your rave review. Once again that is Aioli in Forrestville. Thank you, Laura:thumbsupwink:

[Sara S]

When I got there too early to try the crab cake, I had the roast chicken and brie sandwich with pesto aioli, and it was probably the best sandwich I've ever had. Generous size, too.

Sara S.

Mad Miles wrote:

I've had Chef Autumn's crab cakes (twice, and each order is one large crab cake with salad $12 and change.), and I can say they are the best I've ever had.

I am glad I remembered this from waay back. I was there yesterday and shared an order with a friend and we were both full and happy. I told them it was becasue of your rave review. Once again that is Aioli in Forrestville. Thank you, Laura:thumbsupwink:

[tziferon]

quote: - I don’t know if you know it, but Chinese immigrants run some local Thai restaurants. -

This is certainly the case at "Thai Pot" in Sebastopol... they have annoyed me for years by pretending to be Thai. The owner guy is Taiwanese! (that's Chinese for the geographically uninclined).

Making it much worse is the ignorance displayed by those who got it voted "Best Thai Restaurant" in the Bohemian... and also the ignorance of the Bohemian itself in that regard... what a joke! It's not even real Thai food.

I myself find it very insulting that they assume we are so culturally and gastronomically illiterate that we would not know the difference (but sadly, they are largely correct as evidenced by their pulling it off for so long!).

The most authentic Thai in the North Bay area is easily Jhanthong Banbua (Santa Rosa), followed by Baan Thai.

Why believe me? I've been to Thailand four times on culinary exploratory trips, and have been a Thai food aficionado since about 1982---long, LONG before the Thai food fad hit the US.

I say expose all Chinese pretenders... post any others you know to be true (but be sure about it before you post, it's a serious accusation).

[Waccomole]

Regrettably, Nirvana closed soon after this review. What a disappointment for the owner who created a serene ambiance and the subtlely nuanced flavors in visually stunning copperware. I miss this place. Henry Crigler

How can you beat Mary's for reliable value. Every so often the special is b'fly pasta in lemon creme sauce with pancetta and a touch of nutmeg. NTBM Henry

Nirvana – Addendum To:

My Favorite Expensive (For Me) Restaurants where you can get a good meal for between $15-$35

By R. Miles Mendenhall

3/7/2007

Nirvana

420 Mendocino Avenue #100, Santa Rosa
(next to the Armed Forces Recruiting Center and across the street from the Press Democrat parking lot)
575-3608
11:30-2:30 & 5:30-9:30 p.m. Every Day Of The Week

With a name like “Nirvana” I thought it had better be good, and it is! OK here goes; this is going to be a more elaborate write-up than I’ve been doing on this list, for reasons that I’ll go into at the end.
....

[Sara S]

My take on The Bohemian's "Best Of..." lists is that it means that the business advertises in The Bohemian regularly.


Sara S.

quote: - I don’t know if you know it, but Chinese immigrants run some local Thai restaurants. -

This is certainly the case at "Thai Pot" in Sebastopol... they have annoyed me for years by pretending to be Thai. The owner guy is Taiwanese! (that's Chinese for the geographically uninclined).

Making it much worse is the ignorance displayed by those who got it voted "Best Thai Restaurant" in the Bohemian... and also the ignorance of the Bohemian itself in that regard... what a joke! It's not even real Thai food.

I myself find it very insulting that they assume we are so culturally and gastronomically illiterate that we would not know the difference (but sadly, they are largely correct as evidenced by their pulling it off for so long!).

The most authentic Thai in the North Bay area is easily Jhanthong Banbua (Santa Rosa), followed by Baan Thai.

Why believe me? I've been to Thailand four times on culinary exploratory trips, and have been a Thai food aficionado since about 1982---long, LONG before the Thai food fad hit the US.

I say expose all Chinese pretenders... post any others you know to be true (but be sure about it before you post, it's a serious accusation).

[riverreb]

In my opinion K&L is still the best crabcake around. I gave Aioli another shot today. They have a nice cake with lots of fresh crab, but not in the same league. To much fat, don't need the bell peppers. Too expensive! $13.50 for lunch at a sandwich shop. It did include salad though.

Check out the K&L crabcakes - I think you'll agree.

Too much fat? The only fat in there is the natural crab fat. I have had K&L's crab cake and did not care to reorder it next time. Aioli has the crabbiest and freshest crabcake around. I almost had decided I don't like crab cakes because I couldn't find one I liked...until Aioli.

[Nemea Laessig]

I always loved the crabcakes at Alice's Restaurant, I didn't think K&L's crabcakes were as good, but I haven't been there in awhile. Do they still exist?

I will have to try Aioli, sounds good!

Too much fat? The only fat in there is the natural crab fat. I have had K&L's crab cake and did not care to reorder it next time. Aioli has the crabbiest and freshest crabcake around. I almost had decided I don't like crab cakes because I couldn't find one I liked...until Aioli.

[caputmedusae]

Ting Hao *used* to be good, now they're pretty subpar.

Shangri-La in Cotati--eh. What else? Hmm... Ah yeah, Star of India in Petaluma--they've gotten some oddly unwarranted bad reviews online, but I still say they may have some of the tastiest Indian food in Sonoma County--forget about Sizzling Tandoor--that restaurant is not what it used to be, either.

I ldid like Annapurna, and then I found out about the rat infestation that eventually led to its temporary closure.

Sushi Tozai makes the most heavenly and flawless udon around.

Bon appetito!

["Mad" Miles]

Caputmedusae,

Thanks for weighing in.

Re: Annapurna

Dikendra's place reopened along with the other restaurants in that building. The rat infestation was in the Brickyard Center building. It was not specific to Annapurna. Your post implies that it was.

After the exterminator had his/her run, the entire complex was cleared by the Health Department.

I've eaten there since and it was as good as usual. Some of the best curries in Santa Rosa.

"Mad" Miles

["Mad" Miles]

New Place In Sebasto!!!

(The center of the known waccobbie universe)

I first met Larry Vito, when he was catering the KRSH Backyard Concerts three summers or so ago, because his wife, Renee (?), claimed he made the best BBQ in California. I asked her if she'd ever eaten at Bones in Gualala, she hadn't. But then I tried Larry's and damn, if it's not the best, it's among the best.

His place next to Patisserie Angelica, by the Sebastopol Cinemas, has finally opened to walk-in traffic. I've been waiting for months. They've only been open a week. I took home the two meat combo, Chicken Andouille and Beef Brisket with Potato Salad and Cole Slaw.

Damn, that's good cookin'!!!

Carnivores, enjoy....


BBQ Smokehouse & Catering

6811 Laguna Park Way

575-3277

11:30 - 7:30
Tuesday - Sunday

"Dine on our deck, or take it to go"

Catty corner to the Sebasto Cop Shop, down the street from the Skate Park, in the same parking lot as the Cinemas, in the same building as Patisserie Angelica.

Best damn pastries, cakes and chocolates to be had in the area, and I don't just mean Sebastopol, the crunchy, woo woo, Mecca!

I hear there's a very good French pastry baker in Healdsburg, but that's just a little outside of my normal range of operations.

"Mad" Miles for Miles' Favorite Restaurants




P.S. Regarding another thread about restaurants, I believe it is titled "Restaurant Blues", Jane (I think?) claimed the best restaurant in Santa Rosa was Sea Thai.

I tried it a couple of weeks ago. Had the same black noodle dish she gushed about.

Ho Hum.

Price: very affordable

Portion: Generous

Service: Good. Except for the hostess who balked at seating me at a four place table, even though the end of the room was empty and it was a late lunch hour. There was little likelihood of a rush crowd arriving. I just wanted light to read my newspaper by. The only open two-seater was up against a wall, in front of the back of the house entry/exit, with little light, and in the middle of an area with well-populated and conversationally animated tables. Nothing wrong with that, unless you want to read and chill before the matinee you're headed for in an hour.

Taste: Generic, not particularly great, especially for Thai. It was more like a CA Cuisine / Thai hybred, with little to recommend it from either genre. Sort of like high end cafeteria food at a college dinery catering to a crunchy student crowd. Yes, everything was fresh and cooked right, it just lacked distinction in the flavor department. A little sweet, but bland and generic.

So, for my Thai food needs, I'll be going to Baan Thai in Larkfield, Jan Thong Ban Bua on Mendocino in north Santa Rosa, or Lynne's Thai in West Cotati, long before I return to Sea Thai.


And to continue with another complaint: When I went to "Cheri" at the Rialto on Tuesday, I grabbed an order of Baba Ganoush from East / West to tide me over. They had it ready in two minutes and were really cool about my need to rush. The price wasn't too bad, either.

But when I got to my seat in the theater I was disappointed by the whole wheat pita.

My bad, I should have asked, especially given the place. Years ago I tested allergic to wheat, and while I have no problem, other than mild digestion discomfort, I just don't like the taste.

I eat evil bleached wheat products all the time. Love the flavor and have no digestive difficulties with those.

The roasted eggplant dip? I can't say it tasted bad, as it had little to no flavor at all. Sort of like a soft, creamy filler with no texture or taste. I satisfied my hunger pangs, unhappily, and threw the other half away after the movie.

Real Doner in Petaluma has good Baba Ganoush. The flavor is still too delicate for what I'm looking for in BG. The real taste treats there are the gyros and kababs. His hummus is excellent as well. Be sure to ask for some of his "hot sauce" and don't skimp on the citrus juice!

I've never had a Baba Ganoush that rivaled, not even close to, the Mediterranean Market in Chicago where I used to go for my BG, hummus, spinach pies, meat pies, and Arabian breads, plus the baklavas they made (everything I've listed here is made on the premises by a wonderful Palestinian family) were the best I've ever had. I miss that place!!!!

Good Baba Ganoush should taste of smoky, roasted eggplant, olive oil, a little garlic, salt and lemon. It should be smooth but with bits of the eggplant seed to give it some texture.

It should not be bland and creamy smooth with no texture or distinguishable flavors.

Ai Ya, Oy Vey, Ach du Lieber, My Oh My!

"Mad" Miles

["Mad" Miles]

Yesterday, before going to see "Bruno" (mit umlaut) I again ate at BBQ Smokehouse and Catering. Had the three ribs, coleslaw and cowboy beans.

Very, very delicious and satisfying. Larry has a "sauteed veggies" special up on the board, and various salads for those who want their greens.

Aside from all that, I wanted to mention he has a "Help Wanted" sign up. So for those high schooler's still looking for a summer job....

I joked that with Patisserie Angelica in the same building as BBQ Smokehouse, I might as well move in since combined they have all the elements necessary for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Unfortunately there appear to be no rooms for let.

Back to Sacha Baron Cohen's ouevre. I keep thinking of various sequences and phrases from the film, and start laughing all over again! The clean hotel toilet joke is priceless, and the looks on the faces of the extreme wrestling fans towards the end of the film? Oh my Gawd!? Could anything be funnier?

"Mad" Miles

[pp_twinkie]

But have you tried the Baba Ganoush at the Main Street Deli in Sebastopol?

...

And to continue with another complaint: When I went to "Cheri" at the Rialto on Tuesday, I grabbed an order of Baba Ganoush from East / West to tide me over. They had it ready in two minutes and were really cool about my need to rush. The price wasn't too bad, either.

But when I got to my seat in the theater I was disappointed by the whole wheat pita.

My bad, I should have asked, especially given the place. Years ago I tested allergic to wheat, and while I have no problem, other than mild digestion discomfort, I just don't like the taste.

I eat evil bleached wheat products all the time. Love the flavor and have no digestive difficulties with those.

The roasted eggplant dip? I can't say it tasted bad, as it had little to no flavor at all. Sort of like a soft, creamy filler with no texture or taste. I satisfied my hunger pangs, unhappily, and threw the other half away after the movie.

Real Doner in Petaluma has good Baba Ganoush. The flavor is still too delicate for what I'm looking for in BG. The real taste treats there are the gyros and kababs. His hummus is excellent as well. Be sure to ask for some of his "hot sauce" and don't skimp on the citrus juice!

I've never had a Baba Ganoush that rivaled, not even close to, the Mediterranean Market in Chicago where I used to go for my BG, hummus, spinach pies, meat pies, and Arabian breads, plus the baklavas they made (everything I've listed here is made on the premises by a wonderful Palestinian family) were the best I've ever had. I miss that place!!!!

Good Baba Ganoush should taste of smoky, roasted eggplant, olive oil, a little garlic, salt and lemon. It should be smooth but with bits of the eggplant seed to give it some texture.

It should not be bland and creamy smooth with no texture or distinguishable flavors.

Ai Ya, Oy Vey, Ach du Lieber, My Oh My!

"Mad" Miles

["Mad" Miles]

Yo Foodie Waccoons,

Wow, it's been just over a year since I added to this thread. I still eat out, not as much as when I was raking it in as a pampered state employee, (In Prison, yeah, I was sooo pampered.)

Much has happened in the West County, Santa Rosa area restaurant world, in one year. I know I've written about some places since last I added to this thread. They must have been one off's that I didn't link here. I just went back and noted the places that closed, after their names, when/where I first wrote about them. Most of those are in post #6 of this thread.

First, I want to tout Toyo! Hh!


Toyo Japanese Restaurant

North West Santa Rosa, in the shopping center at Marlow and Piner
(Used to be a pretty good, but a little pricy, sea food place. Called The Seafood Wharf or something. Between the Karate studio and the West End Bar. Same shopping center as the, now closed, Bradley Video. Their website is hyperlinked in their name above. Menu, Hours, Address, All their digits.)

Owner David Lin had the good sense to hire Chef Yo of Cafe Japan reknown. (See my paltry paragraphs on Cafe Japan in the "My Favorite Expensive Restaurants" post #6 of this thread.)

I ate there a few months ago, on a weeknight, when Chef Yo wasn't working. It was very good. I had the Seafood Udon, very tasty, filling and with lots of varied fish, mollusks and crustaceans. And plenty of vegetables.

Last night, after failing to find White Bear's party in Southwest Santa Rosa, (Ahhggg! Incomplete directions from a friend who will remain unamed.) I went back.

Chef Yo was in the house! I had the Chef's Sushi Special ($24). Perfectamundo! He added a piece of the Uni special (fresh, local) to the order without a blink. Plus I got to chat with him for the first time, and was able to inquire after his charming wife, Jen, and their now three year old daughter. She's talking and everything! (Their daughter, not Jen. I keed!)

He works there Wednesday through Saturday, maybe Sundays as well. You want the work of a consumate Japanese sushi chef? Yo's your man.

Jeff Cox reviewed Toyo positively on the third of this month. He doesn't mention Chef Yo, but everything he says about David Lin and his hospitality is true and more.

It's not cheap, but when is Japanese food, especially sushi, cheap? Especially the quality stuff. My tab was $34.88, sake included. I tipped $7 for a total of $41.88. For an excellent restaurant meal in these parts, that's a moderate price.


P30

On Bodega Highway west of "Town" (in this case Sebasto-Center of the Universe, More Enlightened than Thou Central. I keed, I keed!)
Same spot as Mojo and St. Rose, previously.

Went there on Thursday evening with my sister and father. I'd heard about it, read about it, went there a month or so ago, but didn't want to wait forty minutes to eat. The second time we walked right in and were seated immediately.

We shared a single order of: Crab Cakes, Paella, Duck Cassoulet, bottle of wine and two desserts. We sat outside, at a table for six, and agreed to share it.

Twenty minutes in, we did, with two ladies from Santa Rosa. One was Danish/American, she's been here since the early sixties. We had a great conversation about Scandanavian Film, differences in social culture between Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Norway, and mutual friends associated with the Peace & Justice Center of Sonoma County.

The food was good. Very tasty. I had minor criticisms. (Crab Cakes just a mite too salty, and I love salt, beans in the cassoulet could have used a little more time cooking, they were slightly on the dry and mealy side, I'm not a paella expert, but the rice was a bit gummy, and the seafood portion skimpy. Overall it was good, just a few flaws. I've written here recently about how eating in restaurants has taught me that if you know what you're doing, cooking at home can produce superior results.)

I wouldn't say spectacular for the price. Plates are between $7 - $15, medium size. The tab was $99, before tip. (I've hyperlinked their website in their name above.) My dad paid! Sweet...

The setting, is very nice, especially outside on an early summer evening. I have vivid, pleasant memories of seeing, "Trailer Trash!: The Musical", in the field on the same property about five or six years ago.

Diane Peterson reviewed them in the PD, in early April.


Finally, for the mo' .....

(Masterpiece Mystery, A Poirot Mystery, is on in twenty minutes! Gotta run. Never have read Ms. Christie, but I'm impressed by the video adaptations...)


Baba Ganoush!

Samir and crew at Main Street Deli, in "town" (Yeah, we all know what that means!) does it right! Get some. He closes at 6:30. It's the real deal. Lovely smoky, chunky roasted eggplant flavor/texture. Not gummy and bland like East West on Summerfield Road. His Hummus rocks as well. Great Boorma. Good lamb, beef and chicken. Nice Middle Eastern salads. Solid Mediterranean Cuisine. At very fair prices.

A Table!

That's Frenchie/Froggy talk for, "Come and Get It!".

And before you get on your high horse and accuse me of being biased against les Francais (as if!) my grandmother, Andree Contou Mendenhall, would have laughed along with me.

So, "Vat on! Monsieur d'une sensibilité exageré!!"

["Mad" Miles]

Recent and not so recent eating excursions, minor knife deprivation and envy, personal asides and embarrassing confessions. With discursive meanderings and irrelevant side remarks that will probably be irritating to most of you. I don't think I'm ADD/ADHD, but evidence to the contrary can be found below. Read on...? Now you can't claim I didn't give you fair warning!

"Affordable Family Food with Local Organic Ingredients"

Been waiting for Greg Alahan's (sp?, just call him Greg, he insisted on it last night) new place to start serving in the evenings. They've been open for breakfast and lunch for a couple of months. You may know his work from Stella's and Elmo's, in the spot where Henweigh now resides. But that's all grease in the bucket.

This time the prices are moderate, and his work is delicioso as always. I ate there last night.

Had the double cut pork chop, with rough mashed potatoes (bacon, chives) and grilled yellow squash. A glass of pino, a custard with fresh fruit, $26 approximately, pre-tip. (And for anyone who remembers the beginning of this thread three four years ago, yes, I still tip 20%.)

A near perfect meal. The potatoes were scrumptious, the squash grilled just right, the chop, smoky, caramelized crispy on the outside, chewy yet tender. With a touch of Tapatio, salt and pepper? Mmmmm.

They don't have steak knives. Their table knives have a serrated edge, but as a bladesman I would have preferred something a little more lethal. Umm, I mean, efficient.

Chef Autumn at Aioli* recommended the gumbo. I had it a few weeks ago, at the end of lunch. They were out of prawns, so I only got the chicken and andouille. Scrumptious, filling. $8.75!!!

* Aioli is still the best gourmet deli I know of! I love their cheese-steak sandwich, many other things to choose from, and not all of them made with animal protein. Nicholas and Autumn are damn fine cooks. I mean chefs.


Sarah's F'Ville Kitchen prices range between $7.75 and $10.75. If I recall correctly my double pork chop entree was $11.75. Amazing! Compare that to my favorite pricey place across the street. What a deal.

Wednesday through Monday, 7-3. Now open evenings, finally!, Thursday through Sunday, looks like they close around 9:00. Double check that, cause I don't have it in front of me, and it's not on their blog-spot webpage.

6566 Front Street, Forestville (That's Highway 116 through "town") 887-1055

Cash ONLY

It cost me $3.00 to use the Bank of the West ATM across the street. Afterwards * the sous chef told me the liquor store near by, Al's just west of Mosaic Restaurant, provides cash on a credit or debit card, and only charges $0.50.

* I know afterwards isn't a correct English word, but it's how we talk. I believe it is colloquial to the South.

They have Live Jazz during Sunday Brunch. Whole grain waffles, pancakes and bellinis. Outdoor patio! Great while the weather lasts. With this cool summer, that may not be long. Nice, comfortable interior. Well decorated, striking a balance between an art gallery and homey spot.

Some of the yelp reviews ding them on presentation. This isn't your high end restaurant. It's basic, good cooking influenced by the skills of accomplished chefery. At these prices I'm not about to whine about the lack of a garnish on my plate!! I plan to become a regular, as long as my unemployment checks keep rolling in.

During dinner, I had a very pleasant conversation with a couple of other wacoons. About this board, the local restaurant scene, this thread, etc. They expressed their fear that the place would be jammed soon. It wasn't last night. I arrived around 8:30 and there were a couple of parties on the patio, and two more in the dining room. Eat there soon before it's too late to get a table.

I've eaten there a couple of times in the last two months. Very good. Next to Traverso's. The last time I was there I had a superb salad and the Tagliatelle with rabbit sugo (confit), asparagus, oyster fungi and thyme. With a glass of a nice dry, white Italian wine. Can't recall the vintage.

I'm not going to go into detail here. Check out their site embedded in their name above.

Suzanne, who I met a couple of years back at The Ace In The Hole pub (RIP) used to work at K&L in Sebastopol. She's now a manager at Santi. I just enjoy seeing her walk across a room... (Call me? yeah, I'm shameless...)

Delicious food, well presented, state of the art fine, and healthful, Italian cuisine. Not cheap. But they're doing Happy Hours with discounted drinks and small plates.


spoonbar! in the h2hotel

Ate there with my sis and dad on Tuesday evening. Very ultra modrin, (As the Nu-Beams would say), Danish contemporary post-industrial design. The bathroom is coed, with separate little loos, two for the boys, two for the girls. Reminded me of a changing room for a sauna.

We went because I love Moroccan cuisine, and the Jeff Cox review said they did merguez, harissa, and a lamb tagine. So we shared one order of two different sausage skewers, beef and lamb, some greens, the tagine and some flat bread (their version of pita.) (That's a savory stew, named for the vessel it's cooked in, a Tagine, a clay pot, conical lid. They don't use the real tagine vessel here. I asked.)

The skewers were very tasty and satisfying, three per order, a perfect split for our party. So was the kale. (A mite salty in my book, and I'm a salt lover. My sister didn't agree, and my dad is in his own world. When asked he had no complaint.)

The tagine? Filling, nice combination of meat, garbanzo beans, English peas and vegetables, cooked to the perfect texture and consistency, but a bit bland. It didn't have that special smoky, subtle, complex combination of cinnamon, cardamon, turmeric, garlic and onion spiciness that I love in this dish and this national cuisine.

By the way, those are the traditional North African spices I remember for this style of cooking, just off the top of my head. I may have forgotten a few.

The "flat bread" came at the end, not as the ordered appetizer. We had to remind our waiter. Their fresh harissa didn't have the burn my sister was looking for. I liked it. The hot pepper was subtle and came on slowly, and it was just the right level if you're not looking for a volcano in your mouth. We shared the cannoli, first time I've had chocolate sauce with cannoli.

They're newly opened. Working out the kinks. I reported our findings, both positive and constructively critical to our waiter.

Prices, moderate to chere. Our three way split meant we didn't eat too much. The total was around $110, pre-tip.

I would definitely go back to fill my jones for Moroccan food. (Man, do I miss that place in Wrigleyville!) But I might call first to see if they've amped up the flavor of their tagine.

They have lots of other standard Amero-European choices.

A place to see, and be seen. Big room, the entrance is on the street, not past the fountain, waterfall sculpture down the side. That's the hotel lobby entrance.

The menu and all other particulars are on their webpage.


And their steak knives? Very substantial and threatening. I commented to my dinner companions that these were the first sharp knives I've been loaned in a restaurant that I could see using to defend myself with, quite effectively.

Yeah, I know, adolescent male fantasies, arrested emotional development. What can I say? I love them wicked blades. Until I meditate upon what could be done with them, then I'm sickened and horrified.


Gaia's Garden

I've known Ari Camarota and Susan Church since the summer of 2000. They are two of my friends who I love dearly and miss because we've drifted apart in the last year or so, due to different schedules, pressures of our own personal and business lives and the unavoidable conflicts that trouble all humans who love one another.

Ari is a Master entertainer, musician, raconteur and host. I've only half kidded him that he should write a guide for the adult male; fashion, accessories, home decor, shopping, diet, cultural taste in general. He's an expert and has much to offer. He's great on TV. He should be the internationally known hipster version of Martha Stewart. Seriously, he's that good at an amazing array of stuff.

Susan is a sweet, sweet person with a heart as big as the known universe. I miss her parties. Especially the Gemini Birthday party every May. I did her wrong a few years back, didn't come through on a promise and waited too long to notify her that I couldn't bring myself to do it. Let's just say there's karmic payback for being a flake.

But all this is neither here nor there in a restaurant commentary. I just wanted to put on public record how much I miss both of them (you!).

They bought Govinda's a year ago in May. That's the previous name of the vegetarian buffet next to the Last Record Store. On Mendocino. Same building as Community Market. Across the street from Video Droid.

I ate there months ago when they first reopened, I'd eaten there when it was Govinda's. I haven't been hanging in "TOWN". So other than stopping by to check in with Ari in the mid-afternoon when it's closed*, I haven't been hanging out and eating there as I'd intended when they took over the joint.

* I buy the best damn orange juice to be had in this region, Columbia Gorge Organic, at Community Market. (Crunchy Central!) Yeah, I know it's not local, but at least it's sold here. I find Odwalla to be too sweet, and bland.

Believe it or not, these asides are part of my narrative. There's going to be a payoff, I promise!

Back to my story.

Thursday night, after the KRSH Backyard (Band of Heathens ROCK!, and Twang!!! Bill Bowker and crew are living boons to the soul) I had dinner with distant, but dear, friends. Who I met at Susan and Ari's parties.

I kicked myself. Perfect coconut curried tofu, basmati rice, vegetable curry, black bean soup, lentil soup (dahl), the best salad bar in the region, bar none. A nice Amber ale, Great Company, a bit of a chance to catch up with Ari. One of the best meals I've had in months. I've only listed what I ate here. There were several other choices.

It took me back to the little storefront Buddhist buffet, on the main drag of Mucha, Taipei.

Both have a wide variety of choices, perfectly cooked vegetables, grains, tofu (in various forms), numerous condiments and sauces to create any taste you crave. Or if you're an ascetic purist, you can go without. The healthiest diet possible.

And CHEAP!!! Financially that is, luxurious in every other way. My tab was $13.06 pre-tip. Ari did say he was giving me the, "old geezer," discount. (Bastard!)

I just read their website (Sorry guys! I've been preoccupied...) One of the best restaurant sites I've perused in years. Interesting narrative, specific and accessible details, no extra fluff (unlike my contributions here). Check it out. Especially the opening narrative, the menu and the music schedule.

Gaia's Garden has the imminent potential to not only be the tastiest and healthiest place to eat out, in all of central Sonoma County, if not beyond, but the coolest boit de la nuit.

One of the things Ari has always harped about is the poor treatment of musicians by nightclub managers, and the lousy sound systems in those clubs. He now has his chance to show the world how to do it right. His perfectionist tendencies will not permit him to stint on quality. I can guarantee that!!!

He's been part of the heart of the local music scene, for at least two decades. If they get our business, Susan and he could be major impresarios for our cultural, social and political community. As they already are. Their "It's Your Party Mobile DJ" sound system has powered the voices and music of most of the rallies held in Courthouse Square, and other places where demonstrations happen, for at least the last ten years. For little or no pay. They're due, and we owe them.

Won't be big shows. The intimate room and crunchy decor (the good earth based natural crunchy that we all love and need), along with the master musicians and a professional mix, could, should and I hope, be, the next very cool thing.

It's not big enough to replace The Studio Cafe. But for sitting down, listening, having a great meal, a couple of glasses of beer or wine, or a soda, and chatting with some friends (Please, not too loud while the performers are creating!?) chatting up the beautiful person of your choice, you know the drill, this could become it. At times, when things get cooking on stage, there will be dancing, and no blood.

Aside from back in the kitchen, there will be absolutely no need for sharp knives, steak or otherwise!

************************************************************************

That's it for now.

Remember,

No matter where you go.

There you are.

Please ignore, the following link. It isn't working. See my reply two posts later in this thread as to why I think it's not happening.

Speaking of being somewhere. Here's a link to my flickr set of pictures I took at Mosaic this last week. There's some brief commentary in the captions. Apologies to anyone who's already looked at this.

If you have, just don't go there! Really, I'm trying to be your friend, don't go there, if you've already been. You won't like it! If you ignore my advice and go there again, don't say I didn't say, don't go there!

I'm hungry.

[kpage9]

Hey Miles,

I tried to link to the flickr page on Mosaic, but it says i don't have permission to go there...?

kp

["Mad" Miles]

Kathy,

F! I'm still trying to suss the flickr, FB, waccobb, hotmail interfaces. When I have it figured out, I'll let the world, "according to Miles", know.

I've found flickr to be hard to use, the privacy settings either apply to everything, or to nothing. You can't selectively adjust privacy by picture set. I have some sets on there that are groups of friends at parties, and I don't want to violate their privacy.

I'm also still sussing out FB. Once Barry and his minions mount the waccobb/FB uplink, maybe this won't be a problem?

["Mad" Miles]

so far, my favorite restaurant does not exist . where is the real deal indian VEGETARIAN restaurant buffet. ? Govindas is serving bland dhals and non authentic foodstuffs that is not kosher krsna cuisine. WHO DARES to serve the real deal? ... meanwhile. blessed be and hare krsna

Rucira,

I know your post is three years old. But have you been to Gaia's Garden recently? They address the very issue of krsna cuisine on the first page of their website. You might want to read that before deciding to try it out, or not.

Miles

[Valley Oak]

Miles, you forgot to mention McDonald's.

Edward

Dear Waccobies, ...
Miles’ favorite inexpensive but tasty restaurants
in central and western Sonoma County

[kpage9]

(not sure what's the diff. between "reply publicly" and "reply to this thread"...hope this gets to whatever the right place would be, not that it's such a burning issue...)

Sonoma doesn't get much e-ink here, probably because it's not part of anybody's west side, but I want to share my favorite place with you for whenever you venture eastward. It's called Cafe Picazo, located on Arnold (major road west of and parallel with 12), right next to Juanita Juanita. Little yellow building, lovely sunny patio and big old wood-paneled sunny room to sit and read the paper. Fresh flowers on each table, loads of reading material, fantastically sweet proprietor and her equally sweet sons. Really excellent barbecue on weekends, delicious and varied salads and sandwiches, good coffee. They always flex to meet my whim-of-the-moment requests, like the greens, fruit and chicken salad I often drive off to work with. For roughly $5.

They're getting more and more business (been there a couple of years), sometimes quite bustling, but always with good cheer and quiet competence.

kathy

[Barry]

(not sure what's the diff. between "reply publicly" and "reply to this thread"...

Reply Publicly quotes a particular post, Reply to Thread doesn't quote anything. Both become public replies on the thread. Similar functionality was on the old system.

["Mad" Miles]

Dress It Up, Naturally

I met Ted King and his lovely wife Suzanne in the live music scene a few years ago. She's a teacher so we had a lot to talk about, especially when I was in the credential program at SSU.

When I was on my way home from work at The Q, I ran into him several times at Underwood, last year and the year before.

He's a very cool guy with a professional background in plant management for organic food processing and manufacturing. Last October I read an article in the North Bay Bohemian about his new product, "Dress It Up" salad dressing and marinade packets. Using organic ingredients.

He had already mentioned it in one of our conversations at the Underwood bar where we were both having our dinner. Because I like him and want him to succeed in this tough business climate, and because his knowledge and sensibilities about environmental issues in our times are unusually extensive, I wrote this. My additional reasons follow. Here's the story.

Last week I ran into him at Aioli, we caught up and I mentioned I'd seen his salad dressing mix package in Speer's Market a few days before. Immediately after that I ran into him at Speer's (small town!) and he gave me the starter kit and another two package box to try out. I told him I'd comment about it here, if I saw fit.

The next day I made his Tuscan Dressing. The starter kit is a glass jar, and two dressing packets. Add the packet to a cup of olive oil and a half cup of balsamic vinegar. I keep both in stock. Shake it up and wait a minute, or five, for the spices to blend with the oil and vinegar.

I can do a mean vinaigrette, so normally I wouldn't go for a product like this. But twenty minutes of chopping garlic, shallots, fresh herbs, and mixing it all up with the vinegar and oil, then waiting for it to suffuse overnight, or at least an hour before using vs. three minutes of minimal effort and five waiting for it to be ready? This is a boon to the busy cook. And a gift for the busy non-cook who wants to eat delicious and healthy food.

The salad I made, and the two others I've had since, were mixed greens and baby spinach, kalamata olives, grated smoked goat milk cheese, and a sliced heirloom tomato. The first also had some leftover steamed artichoke heart and stem.

Very, very tasty!! The dressing has a great balance of tart, herbal richness and a hint of sweet. As good a dressing as any I've had. Kept in the fridge, it got a little viscous*, but warming it a bit on the counter (easy in this weather!) and tossing it into the salad, it thinned out just fine.

* I was just recycling the cardboard and noticed that I didn't add the three tablespoons of water from the instructions!!? That probably accounts for this. Don't get so hungry that you don't read carefully!


Here's his website.

Be sure to read his "About Us" page which gives more details about the "protect the earth and its people" intent behind his work.

Available at Speer's, Andy's, Pacific/Fiesta and other local and regional markets. I don't know the price since he gave me samples.

Did I say the ingredients are Organic?

1% of proceeds donated to, "The Conservation Fund".

The box also has an insert with six recipes for using it as a marinade or a dressing. Classic Italian dishes. The packaging cardboard is post consumer and the inks soy based. He's walking his talk.

So, help a brother, and yourselves, out! Get some and see for yourself.

[dominus]

Thanks very much for all your wonderful suggestions. I've always enjoyed dim sum. I wonder if there are any restaurants in Sonoma County that readers know of that offer dim sum?

["Mad" Miles]

Dominus!

Are you in Luck! In Santa Rosa on Armory Drive, just south of Steele Lane, the old A&W was converted several years ago to Hang Ah Dim Sum Restaurant.

The embedded hyperlink is to the google search page for the place.

I've eaten there two or three times in the last couple of years. It's great! Growing up, we didn't do much Dim Sum in the Chinese restaurants my folks took us to. But I've certainly gained a taste for it after a couple of experiences as an adult, and especially after six months living in Taipei back in '97.

After you go there, please let us know what you think?

And thank you, you're welcome, for your props for my restaurant thread.

[Yoga Heart]

Thanks very much for all your wonderful suggestions. I've always enjoyed dim sum. I wonder if there are any restaurants in Sonoma County that readers know of that offer dim sum?

Another kissin cousin are momos. They can be found at the Himilayan restaurant on 116 S. or at another sweet place on the corner of W. 3rd. & Fulton called the Himilayan Grill that is relatively new. A real jewel. Momos ( or dumplings) have a thin pastry skin wrapped around a yummy veggie or meat fillings. I like them b/c they're both delicate (lite on the oil as is all their food) and satisfying. Yum,

[Barry]

I have split off a discussion about people other than Miles posting to this thread as well as more general discussion of threads and blogs to a new thread in WaccoTalk called Ownership of Threads and Blogs.

["Mad" Miles]

Pupusas Salvadoreño


I ate here for the first time in about a year, (I only go to TOWN every week or so to shop and take care of my bidness) and was again reminded of what a fantastic, delicious and very inexpensive place this is! My second time there, when I got home, I actually called them to make sure they hadn’t undercharged me. I couldn’t believe it was so cheap, yet tasty and filling.

They’ve added to their menu. They still have the pupusas (flat corn meal dough stuffed with a thin layer of various ingredients, pan fried. Not greasy at all!) and tamales. In this case the soft masa with plenty of filling, steamed in banana leaves. They don’t put in the green olives like I like, but this is a minor sacrifice. And that style may be Nicaraguan, not Salvadorean.

Now they have carne guisada and pollo guisada, plus a dinner plate of grilled camarones. (beef stew, chicken stew, shrimp) There are some other dinner plates, but I didn’t get a takeaway menu. And I forgot to take notes…

I had a tamal de pollo, a chicharon y queso pupusa, and since my eyes are bigger than my stomach, the carne guisada. I knew it was too much, but I’d been living on toast, chips, salsa and hummus (plus a little fruit) for two days out of sheer D laziness, so a big meal was in order.

It was actually two big meals and could have been three. That with the horchata (contains peanuts!) went for a total of $13.93!!! I tipped $3.

I love this place! And it’s the bomb for anyone on a limited income. Even if you’re flush, this food is sooo good. Everything comes with a big bowl of what I’ve come to think of as Salvadorean coleslaw. Chopped, shredded cabbage with carrots, red chiles and a little vinegar. Damn good and you get to feel virtuous about eating your vegetables. I put a clump on everything, along with…

They give you two large containers of salsa to choose from, rojo and verde. I always go for a big dollop of verde on everything. The pupusas are also made with spinach, potato, just cheese, pumpkin, and something or two else that I forget. Or in various combinations of the same. In other words, if you incline towards vegetarianism, there is plenty for you as well.

Pupusas Salvadoreño is just east of Santa Rosa Vets Memorial on the other side of Brookwood, north of 12. It has a tricky entrance, since you can’t go north on Brookwood from the frontage road, and you have to turn east over double yellow bots dots if you’re entering from Brookwood going south. But once you suss it, it’s pretty basic. Just to the right of the 7-11 in that strip mall.



I also want to add that the best gourmet deli in my world, Aioli, is still putting out wonderful food. Autumn’s fish tacos got a “best in the region” mention from Heather Irwin of the PD last month, and they’ve been flying out the door ever since.

Justifiably so, they’re available on Friday’s. I just had Chicken Cacciatore from Aioli for dinner. I cooked the basmati, heated the chicken breast in tomato and onion sauce, opened a bottle of Trentadue, Old Patch Red, 2006 (actually I did that first, the rojo has got to breath!) and I’m a very satisfied customer. I’ve enough for another meal.

Aioli also has a new chef, Amber Merkel, who does these mini-cheese cakes. Tonight is the second time I’m going to have the Pumpkin and the Hazelnut swirl. She also makes a chocolate one, that I’ve yet to try. Her company is “Sinful Delights”. www.sinful-delights.com In fact, I think it’s time for one, or both, right now!



Sarah’s Forestville Kitchen is still a signal that there is a benevolent consciousness behind the scenes of our universe, in spite of any evidence to the contrary. I had breakfast there today. Greg, Dean, Gracie, Amanda et al (apologies to those whose names I’ve forgotten), RULE! The lines aren’t long, yet. Git Some!!!



A note of caution: If you want me to visit your restaurant, and write about it... Well, it's complicated. I do this for free. I do it because, as I explained when I started this thread three years ago, it's to try and help the places I like, to stay open. I'm not an ad man, much as I enjoy Mad Men.

There's a new Peruvian place I read about in the PD a few weeks ago. Sazon on Sebastopol Road, in Roseland. I made a mental note to check it out when next it might be convenient, for me.

If you own, are associated with, or know about a place you like, feel free to tell me about it. Just the basic facts, please. If it interests me, is in my range of normal travel, I might check it out, I might not.

But don't try to sell me, schmooze me, cajole me, or in any other way "gently" twist my arm. I can guarantee that the results of such efforts will be me digging in my heels and resisting. I wrote about the moral dilemma of getting a free meal in exchange for my commentary, when I went to Nirvana (R.I.P.) back in 2007. I have no interest in repeating that experience! Even though food-wise, it was a good one.

I do this because I care. Not because anyone else does. I don't mean to be harsh, but if you want a commercial, pay Barry, and write it yourself. That's not what it's about for me.



I had a great experience at Afendi's Turkish Grill. My buddy Clifton and I had a very satisfying dinner there back on the 8th. If you like Turkish, if Real Doner floats your boat (as it does mine) check it out.

299 McDowell Boulevard, Petaluma, 763-1998.

Great prices, delicious grilled proteins, excellent baba ganoush (and if you've been reading this thread you know how picky I am about my grilled eggplant spread!), free hummus, superb hospitality, free Turkish tea, nice sit-down family spot.

Next to the RCU in Petaluma, aka Chicken Town!

["Mad" Miles]

Sazon


I read about this new Peruvian restaurant in the PD a few weeks ago. I’m a sucker for new things, and all of the world cuisines that I’ve tried have delighted and sustained me. So I was game for the experience.

Turns out Sazon is in the same space that my first favorite Korean BBQ (Mmmm, Bulgogi/Bulgoki!) in Santa Rosa used to be. Long gone, not forgotten, still mourned. I hesitated mentioning it to the new owner/chefs, didn’t want to put historical stink on their new baby. But y’all know me, couldn’t help myself. I tried to be gentle, which in this case, was easy.

They’ve done a lot with the place. It was beat before. They cleaned it up, opened it up, new paint, put a bar inside and outside where you can watch the cooking go on. It seems like a bigger space than I remember. It was busy but not crowded on a Tuesday night, and I overheard they’ve been busy ever since getting a positive review in Bite Club.

I knew the menu from that article. No beer or wine yet. So at the accommodating and hospitable waitress’s suggestion I ordered Chicha Morada. Reminded me of tamarindo liquada, but it’s made with sweet purple corn and cinnamon.

Very nice, a bit sweet for my taste, but I’m not a sweet drink drinker. I don’t have a soda more than once every three or four months, if then. Other than my addiction to Galvanina Italian Organic Lemon Soda, and this summer was not hot, so this year I rarely resorted to it. I really liked the cinnamon flavor in the Chicha. But I like cinnamon in just about anything!

I got the Ceviche Mixto. Prawns (why don’t we call them shrimp anymore?), scallops, a clam, squid, fish, “Leche de Tigre” (the liquid from making ceviche, a renowned hangover cure taken by itself), toasted cancha, Cozco corn and roasted sweet potato.

The toasted cancha is large kernel corn, dry, salty and smoky, very crunchy and chewy. Corn chips but not as a chip. The Cozco corn is large hominy grains soaked to swell, I imagine with lime so the Nixtamalization of the starches makes it more digestible and improves the protein quotient.

I read about this again sometime in the last year, it’s a technique that made Pre-Columbian civilization possible, among other things. Like independently inventing algebra. The first Europeans that grew corn used it as fodder, both because of its unfamiliarity and the lack of nutrients available from subjecting it to this process. They weren't hip to nixtamalization, at first. OK, enough anthropological history.

It was great! Tart, and perfectly picante, a mini-seafood feast of freshness. The server had asked if I didn’t want something else when I ordered. She was right, the ceviche by itself is a small meal.

I chose the Papa Rellena appetizer, a mashed potato croquette with beef picadillo, onions, raisins and botija olives (small green olives). Just the ticket with the pickled red onion as a garnish. Not picante, sweet and savory. It reminded me a little of a Moroccan treatment. And you already know what I think of Moroccan cuisine if you’ve been reading my recent offerings.

Personally, I’m not a fan of sweet potatoes or yams, but many people are. The starch component in this cuisine is central. After all, this is the food created by poor people, out of the ingredients available to them, and by creative alchemy, turning out world class haute cuisine.

That’s Anthony Bourdain’s main thesis for how great cooks turn the simplest of ingredients into nirvana. And I agree with him. It’s one of those universal truisms, not really subject to debate. I’m sure if I asked for a substitution on the sweet potato I could get it. As it was, it was actually good! I do like pumpkin pie…

I talked with the owner/chef, Pablo, who introduced me to his co-chef wife. He was very attentive to all of his guests, which I observed prior to introducing myself. I wanted to compliment them, and explain why this weird guy was taking pictures of his food! I explained about this board, and what I do here when it comes to eating out. Of course he was enthusiastic, who doesn’t welcome free publicity.

He asked if I’d had Peruvian food before, I explained that I’ve eaten other South American cuisines, but no. The Peruvian culture combines Quechua/Inca, Spanish, African, French, Chinese, Japanese and Italian influences. So this truly is a Criolla (Creole) cuisine.

There are three main regions/ecosystems in Peru. The Pacific coast seashore, the Andes mountains and the Amazonian rainforest. Or Ceviche, Sufle de Rocoto and Juanes con Tacacho as the charming introduction to Peruvian food on the back of the takeout menu calls them.

My two choices only touch on the complexity and variety available. Check out their website. I’m going back soon! I haven’t had any of their unique forms of ice cream that Heather Irwin was going on about.

It’s in the same building as Perry’s Delicatessen, West of Roseland and east of Burbank, on Sebastopol Road, in Roseland, the happening hood of Santa Rosa!

1129 Sebastopol Road

523-4346

11-3, 5-9, M-S(unday) i.e. Every Day

Prices: Moderate to Inexpensive, I paid $22.39 and tipped $4.50 ($26.89) for my very satisfying meal.

I would call these small to medium plates for the appetizers and ceviches. I did not order an entree. The ones I saw being served were quite substantial. The most expensive thing on the menu is a Pecante de Mariscos (Seafood Stew) for $13. I think I’ll have that next time.

Although the Aji de Gallina (Chicken Stew) and Lomo Saltado (Asian style beef, rice and French fries on the side) are very tempting… They fry fresh: sweet plantains, yucca, potatoes, sweet potatoes and green plantains!!! Not all together, different side orders.

How about rotisserie chicken, fries and a salad for $10?

Shazam! Sazon!!!

www.sazonsr.com

[amalia]

Highly recommending Turkish Restaurant AFENDI in Petaluma
on East Washington Blvd. in the same shopping Center as Trader Joe's and Raley's.

They also have a website.

["Mad" Miles]

Noodle Bowl

This place got a rave review on Bite Club Eats

https://www.biteclubeats.com/2011/02/noodle-bowl.html

I've been there several times now, I've gotten to know one of the owners a little, Kong. It's a great place, excellent food and prices. Comfortable atmosphere. Mixed Cambodian, Thai, Lao and Vietnamese menu. They do like using fresh jalapenos in the Banh Mi (Vietnamese Sandwiches) and some of the Cambodian entrées, so watch out! If that's not your thing, be sure to let them know. Everything is made fresh. The location is not a great one, so helping them stay in business is why I'm writing this. Check 'em out!

Someone emailed me privately to say the link above would not open for them. It works for me, both here and in that email. But here's the extant review from Bite Club. Noodle Bowl is closed on Sunday, Open 9-9 M-F, 10-9 Saturday. The Banh Mi cost $3.95 these days.

Noodle Bowl | Santa Rosa

Author:Bite Club | posted 02/3/11 |




Banh Mi from Noodle Bowl

“Asian Sandwich” doesn’t quite do justice to the $3 masterpiece before you. This meaty torpedo, filled with warm slices of barbecued pork, crunchy carrots, pickled daikon, mayonnaise, pate, cilantro and a sneaky slice of jalapeno was made by a true sandwich artist.
Nestled into a grilled Costeaux Bakery baguette, you will brave Santa Rosa’s afternoon traffic jams, give up your primo parking spot and maybe even drive across town for one of these tasty banh mi. It is that good.
The home of this little whopper is the unassuming Noodle Bowl (821 Russel Ave, Santa Rosa, 843-5256). Open just three weeks, owner Kong Eav is an eager Empire College tourism & hospitality grad who clearly did his homework when it comes to tasty pan-Asian eats.
Though the restaurant bills itself as Cambodian, the menu ranges from Vietnamese pho, banh mi and rice plates to Chinese chow fun, curry, steamed buns and egg rolls, Japanese family-style shabu shabu (meat and vegetables cooked at the table in a flavored broth) and Cambodian pan-fried crepes called banchev.
Nothing on the menu (aside from the family-sized shabu shabu) is over $10 and many dishes are under $5. The prices, however, aren’t reflected in nicely-appointed interior and friendly service. A delicious deal.
Noodle Bowl, 821 Russel Ave., Santa Rosa, 843-5256. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Limited delivery, as well as catering and party trays available.